Certified Legal Nurse Consultants: Be Wary of Premature Opinions
When analyzing medical records as a Certified Legal Nurse Consultant one thing is certain – medical records lead to more medical records. Sometimes it’s the additional records that hold the answers to the issues in the case. Savvy CLNC® consultants don’t jump the gun, delivering opinions prematurely.
Margaret M. Gallagher, RN, MSN, LLNC, CLNC shares: “I am often asked to provide a report after receiving some of the plaintiff’s medical records. I have found that one page of a medical record can completely alter my opinion of a case. Rather than amend an initial opinion, I prefer to defer my formal opinion until I have reviewed all of the relevant medical records. I find this strategy keeps the relevant records coming and ensures the integrity and professionalism of my CLNC opinion.”
If the attorney must have a written opinion before all the evidence comes in, protect the integrity of your opinion by documenting the records you’ve reviewed to date in your report.
No case is black and white. The earlier you get all of the relevant medical records, the quicker you’ll get to your final, final opinion.
I’m Just Sayin’
P.S.Comment and share how you protect the integrity of your CLNC opinions.
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*The opinions and statements made by Vickie Milazzo, the founder of Medical-Legal Consulting Institute, Inc. are based on her experiences and expertise, should not be applied beyond the specific context provided, and do not guaranty or project actual results. Vickie Milazzo is no longer involved in the operations or management of the business, but is involved as an independent education consultant.
