| Permedion received a distressed call from a quality improvement manager of a 150-bed facility in a southern state. She and her Medical Director became concerned about a cardiologist's apparent high rate of cardiac catheterizations. An above average complication rate compounded their worries. They agreed to pursue a more comprehensive review before they discussed the issue with the cardiologist.
Because it was a relatively small facility with only one staff cardiologist, internal peer review was not an option. After hearing about Permedion's independent medical review services from a colleague, the QI manager contacted us to discuss the situation. After several conversations, we recommended that they collect a random sample of cases performed by the cardiologist and send them to us for a peer-matched physician review.
The facility forwarded 73 charts with cath films from the past year. To ensure consistency, one of our board-certified cardiologists performed the entire review. Within 30 days, our reviewer had validated the concerns of the facility's Medical Director. Based on evidence in the records, catheterizations were being performed inappropriately and, at times, post-procedure management of these patients did not meet accepted quality standards.
Following a final review by Permedion's medical director, our client facility received an individual report on every case as well as an overall summary of findings. They used the results of our confidential, evidence-based review to develop quality improvement and continuing education plans for the cardiologist.
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