What steps should be taken if a patient refuses a specific therapy or needs a prescription change?
If a patient refuses a specific therapy or requires a change in their prescription, follow these steps to ensure a smooth process:
- Understand the Patient's Concerns:
- Engage in a conversation with the patient to understand why they refuse the therapy or request a change.
- Listen to their concerns and provide reassurance or additional information about the therapy.
- Schedule a Post-Test Telemedicine Visit:
- A post-test telemedicine visit might be necessary, especially if the refusal involves severe OSA diagnoses.
- During this visit, the sleep physician can discuss alternative therapies such as CPAP, oral appliances, or combination therapy.
- MD Updates Prescription as Needed:
- If an alternative therapy is agreed upon, the physician may update the prescription accordingly.
- The updated prescription will be documented in the patient’s records and communicated to any relevant parties.
The prescribing physician must make prescription changes and may require an additional telemedicine consultation.