Sheri's Solutions: Integration of care

"When do you call a physician?"

I am a huge believer of interdisciplinary patient care. The circle of care is more comprehensive when you include other healthcare providers in treatment.

Sheri B. Doniger, DDS.

Sheri B. Doniger, DDS.

I call physicians starting with the initial visit. If I have a patient who has several health concerns, including, but not exclusive to, diabetes and heart conditions, I will give a courtesy call to the patient's physician or internist to confirm medications and discuss potential treatment plans and anesthetic choices.

I will also contact the physician to receive clearance to treat after any heart or orthopedic surgery. I confirm the physician's request for any premedication. Finally, I will consult with a physician if I feel he or she should be apprised of a change in condition of the patient, especially a long-standing patient of record.

Often, you may only speak with the nurse or assistant. Other times, you do get a chance to speak with the physician or other healthcare provider. Interestingly, few are surprised by the call. I would expect most other practitioners do call the patient's medical providers to include them in treatment. We, as dentists, are usually contacted only when patients are undergoing heart or orthopedic surgery, which requires dental clearance before treatment.

I believe contacting patients' medical providers is a prudent protocol. Remember to enter the conversations in the patients' charts, and let patients know you spoke with their other doctors. Patients truly appreciate the information and confirmation of discussion with their healthcare providers.

Sheri B. Doniger, DDS, practices clinical dentistry in Lincolnwood, IL. She is currently vice president and president-elect of the American Association of Women Dentists and editor of the American Association of Women Dentists "Chronicle" newsletter. She has served as an educator in several dental and dental hygiene programs, has been a consultant for a major dental benefits company, and has written for several dental publications. You can reach her at [email protected].