CME Program

Failure to Diagnose Malignant Melanoma

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Course Description

Information about melanoma is relevant and valuable to physicians for several reasons. First, melanoma incidence has risen over the past several decades and is now considered to be fairly high. Second, there are numerous diagnostic challenges associated with melanoma. In some situations, knowledge gaps or systems errors have resulted in delay of diagnosis with accompanying increase in morbidity and mortality for this condition. Drawing from closed medical malpractice claims examples, this course will provide important insights into liability issues and resources for diagnosing melanoma. It also provides recommendations for effective communication with patients and other providers, and risk management strategies to facilitate proper follow up and documentation.

Target Audience

This course is intended for all healthcare providers who may be involved in the diagnosis or treatment of melanoma.

Educational Objectives

By analyzing closed malpractice claims related to the failure to diagnose melanoma, this educational activity will support your ability to:

• Adopt and adhere to clinical guidelines that support standard of care and reduce the risk of misdiagnosis, delays in diagnosis or mismanagement of this condition.
• Communicate clearly and directly with other providers to enhance patient care and assist timely diagnosis.
• Develop and implement follow up practices to consistently track laboratory results, as well as increase communication with other providers.
• Apply thorough patient education, using plain language, to inform patients about their medical care, and recognizing important signs and symptoms.
• Establish documentation best practices, thoroughly recording in patients’ medical records all assessments, monitoring, counseling and follow up.

Disclosure Policy

As an ACCME accredited provider, NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company requires planners, reviewers or authors who influence or control content of a CME activity to disclose financial relationships (of any amount) they have with commercial interests associated with the CME activity during the past 12 months. Any identified conflicts of interest are resolved prior to the commencement of the activity.

Disclosures

Individuals involved in the planning, reviewing or execution of this activity have indicated they have no relevant financial relationship to disclose.

Content Advisors/Planners

Stephen M. Farber
Vice President, Risk Management and Continuing Medical Education

Dustin Shaver
Manager, Risk Management and Continuing Medical Education

Marlene Nazerey, RN, MSN
Manager, Risk Management

Paula Snyder, RN, CPHRM
Manager, Risk Management

Jo Townson
Risk Management Specialist/Continuing Medical Education

Karen Davis, MA, CPHRM
Project Manager

Sonia Rutherford
Risk Management/CME Program Services Coordinator

Expert Reviewers

Leo Hartz, MD, FAACP
Family Practice

Cynthia Bailey, MD
Dermatology

Accreditation Statement
NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
NORCAL Mutual Insurance Company designates this educational activity for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Original release date: December 2009
Expiration date: December 31, 2012