Failure to Schedule Ordered Neurology Follow-Up Appointment
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to follow a physician's order to schedule a follow-up neurology appointment for a resident who had been admitted after a hospitalization for an anterior displaced type 2 dens fracture (cervical neck fracture). The physician's order, dated 12/06/24, specified that the resident was to have a neurology follow-up in two weeks, and this was also reflected in the resident's care plan. However, a review of the clinical record revealed no documentation that the appointment was scheduled as ordered. The resident had multiple diagnoses, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, osteoarthritis, peripheral vascular disease, muscle wasting and atrophy, anxiety, depression, and heart disease. The Director of Nursing confirmed that the appointment was not scheduled, noting that the timing coincided with the holidays and that there was new social services staff, but acknowledged that the appointment should have been arranged according to the physician's order.