Possible abscess on CT allegedly not worked up before discharge at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital
The complaint alleges that the patient went to the emergency room at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital with severe lower-back pain, and that CT imaging showed a possible abscess. The radiology report suggested follow-up imaging to confirm or rule out abscess, but the patient was discharged without further investigation of a condition the filing describes as carrying a risk of life-threatening sepsis.
Overview
This page concerns an emergency-room visit to Piedmont Atlanta Hospital in which a CT reportedly showed a possible lower-back abscess, the radiology report recommended follow-up imaging, and the patient nevertheless was discharged without investigation of a condition that could lead to life-threatening sepsis.
Chronology
The complaint alleges as follows:
- The patient went to the emergency room at Piedmont Atlanta Hospital with severe pain in her lower back.
- A CT showed a possible abscess in her lower back.
- The radiology report suggested follow-up imaging to confirm or rule out an abscess.
- The Piedmont physician discharged the patient without investigating the possibility of an abscess, despite the risk of life-threatening sepsis.
Alleged failures
The complaint alleges the following failures:
- The emergency physician allegedly discharged the patient despite a CT showing a possible abscess.
- The recommended follow-up imaging in the radiology report allegedly was not pursued before discharge.
- The alleged failure to investigate the possible abscess exposed the patient to the risk of life-threatening sepsis.