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- Sep 7, 2002
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That's a pretty fair argument. My attendings whom I respect the most say the only reason to call a consult is #1. They have something you need, be it a scalpel, a dialysis machine, a fiberoptic scope or a bed upstairs. #2 is more of a curbside. If I ever do number 2, I never include that I discussed with another doc in the chart - I think it's bad juju to bring someone else's name in a chart when they don't realize it.
How do ya'll feel about this: In a lot of post-surgical patients who come into the ED for non-surgical issues - (e.g. has some pain not controlled by PO pain meds, give some morphine, pain under control, send them to the house; or had some nausea, zofran/phenergan, tolerating PO --> home) some attendings have us call surgery to let them know their post-op patient came in. I've been told in surgical patients immediately post-op it's good form to let the surgeon know they're back regardless of whether or not you need their input or them to physically see the patient, especially in the community. What do ya'll think?
Agree totally about being called for all postop patients regardless of issue. First off, many non surgical physicians have no idea what may or may not be related to the operation. Second, if indeed it's nothing, it is a quick conversation and everyone can move on. I HATE it when a postop rectal cancer gets admitted to medicine for acute renal failure for high ileostomy output (rare but happens). And I hear "oh, I didn't think you would be interested." Really? You mess with my rectal cancer patients- we're gonna have problems!