Failure to Arrange Timely Outside Professional Services for Wound Care
Penalty
Summary
The facility failed to provide timely access to outside professional services for a resident who required follow-up care for wounds on the lower extremity. The resident, who had a history of cellulitis and a chronic venous hypertension ulcer of the right lower extremity, was admitted with a hospital discharge order for a podiatry follow-up. Clinical record review showed that the resident was not seen by podiatry as ordered on two separate occasions, and there was no documentation explaining the missed appointments or cancellations. The resident reported that staff had informed him transportation was arranged for his appointments, but at the time of the scheduled visits, he was told there was no transportation and the appointments were not completed. Interviews with staff, including the DON, confirmed that the facility missed both scheduled podiatry appointments and could not provide a reason for the failure to send the resident. There was no evidence in the clinical record that the required services were furnished or that the missed appointments were documented.