Submitted By: Tim J. Wellik, DDS
In the August Capital Star, I
wrote an editorial about the importance of tracking pathology reports and
proper follow-up. Below is Dr. Wellik’s response to the article adding that
patients also have a responsibility to follow doctors’ orders and recommendations.
I am writing in response to
your editorial in the August 2011 Capital Star, Falling Through the Cracks.
It is truly unfortunate that
this patient’s biopsy specimen was never sent for analysis. As much of the
blame can be put on the oral surgeon’s office, the patient herself needs to
take some of the responsibility for what happened. Once she had not heard from
the surgeon’s office in 3-4 weeks after the biopsy was taken, a simple call
could have been made to inquire about the results. Also, a more timely recall
exam to her general dentist in 6 months instead of 13 months may have
alleviated a more serious consequence.
This happened to one of my patient’s 4 ½ years ago.
She came in to my office complaining of a small nodule in her left cheek. I
referred her to an oral surgeon for evaluation. She had the surgeon examine her
and was supposed to return for a follow-up visit if the lesion was still
present after 2 weeks. My office received documentation to this effect. Since
we never heard back from the surgeon after this we assumed the patient’s lesion
resolved itself. But as it turned out, she never went back for her follow up
exam. 6 months later she returns to my office for her regular checkup and the
lesion is still there. I referred her again to the oral surgeon who took a
biopsy this time and it came back as a malignant adenoid cystic carcinoma. She
ultimately ended up losing several teeth, had radiation, radical surgery and
grafts. If she had taken more responsibility on her own part and followed up with
the oral surgeon she may have had a less traumatic outcome.
My point is that patient’s need to take some responsibility for their own
conditions and actions. We as dentists can not be expected to "baby sit” our
patients 24/7.
Sincerely,
Timothy J. Wellik, DDS
