The Advocate Update Report --  December 2003
by Dr. Matthew McCoy, Chair – WCA Chiropractic Advocacy Council

Altering Records

While it might seem obvious to everyone that altering your records is not the brightest thing to do after you become aware of a malpractice suit or board inquiry many chiropractors my do so innocently enough.

I’ve had chiropractors explain that they did not do it to deceive anyone but merely to help explain the situation. No matter the reason, altering records after the fact is the death knell for you in a malpractice or board issue. While not the most desirable outcome it is better for your attorney to ask you to explain what’s missing in your records and why, than to try to explain to the jury that you are really not a liar. Chances are that the expert helping defend you will also be able to help explain missing items - within reason of course.

Understand that these cases usually involve large sums of money and so the hiring of handwriting analysts, ink comparison, and getting copies of records previously sent to an insurance company or some other third party is not unusual.

The appropriate way to add to patient records after the fact is to do so as an addendum, signed and dated on the day it is written. Anything other than this will paint you as a fraud and immediately discredit you.

Rather that considering going back and altering records to make them look the way they should, expend the effort to make sure your records are complete and contemporaneous with the care of your patient.

As always, I look forward to your feedback, comments and suggestions.

Dr. Matthew McCoy advocate@worldchiropracticalliance.com

Chairman – WCA Council on Chiropractic Advocacy

http://www.worldchiropracticalliance.org/councils/advocacy.htm