This is a method to collect and organize material on a case, keeping the original detail, while forcing you to think of the final effects. It is intended to make the case something you can frequently work on, without dragging out the whole chart and associated studies. That is more likely to happen only a few times. It also protects your effort under work product and attorney client privledge laws if you send a copy to your attorney regularly.

Why is this helpful? Well, for one thing, the chart alone is unwieldy, mentally and physically. Also, it is helpful because you're well honed style for analyzing cases in clinical settings does not work the same in a courtroom. The courtroom judges and validates the facts differently, rightly or wrongly. You need a system to pull the information together, and point in this new direction.

This particular approach is based on practical experience, and you may find it useful as is, or in your own adaptation. But you need a system.
The principles are:
1) First the facts: take the key statements as exact quotes to place in the workbook.
2) Identify the Key Points: diagnoses and supporting tests, omissions in recognition, the course of the patient.
3) Contradictions: statements, missing records or studies.
4) The Patient's Course: evidence of the physician's involvement, hypothetical causes of complications that can be raised.
5) Bills: correctness of codes, justification for PA, etc, payment errors.
6) Other opinions.
7) Areas you can be considered responsible for.
8) Points the other side can use.

Now you want to begin a process that starts with the chart and tests, and ends with the jury box. What will be understood? What will be remembered? And how will it be weighted? What contributes to the theme of your case, and what supports your integrity, and the jury's ability to identify with you as a physician they would trust?

We can take you through this process in general, and you can apply it to your situation.

The Workbook Form