05-13-2006, 02:03 AM
A 62-year-old man returns to the office to discuss findings of x-ray films of the lumbosacral spine obtained 2 months ago following an office visit for evaluation of chronic low back pain. Physical examination at that time was normal. He was instructed to take aspirin as needed for pain and to await notification from the office regarding when he should return to discuss the x-ray films. The office staff failed to schedule a return visit for the patient; today's visit was scheduled by the patient. The patient says, "I've been extremely anxious about the potential results of the x-ray film, and I'm angry that nobody from the office called me to schedule a follow-up visit." The radiologist's report accompanying the x-ray film notes the presence of a lytic lesion at the L1 vertebra consistent with metastatic cancer and the recommendation that a CT scan be obtained. In addition to apologizing to the patient for neglecting to contact him to schedule follow-up, which of the following is the most appropriate approach to informing the patient of the x-ray film findings?
A
) Inform him of the findings and emphasize that the responsibility to schedule a follow-up appointment was his
B
) Inform him of the findings and emphasize the need for further evaluation
C
) Inform him of the findings and tell him that the radiologist is as much to blame for not informing him of the urgency of his condition
D
) Inform him that the findings are nonspecific and that further studies are needed to identify a diagnosis
E
) Tell him that the radiologist's report is likely overstated and that additional x-ray films will need to be obtained
A
) Inform him of the findings and emphasize that the responsibility to schedule a follow-up appointment was his
B
) Inform him of the findings and emphasize the need for further evaluation
C
) Inform him of the findings and tell him that the radiologist is as much to blame for not informing him of the urgency of his condition
D
) Inform him that the findings are nonspecific and that further studies are needed to identify a diagnosis
E
) Tell him that the radiologist's report is likely overstated and that additional x-ray films will need to be obtained