A recent verdict in Texas found a physician negligent purely for bad handwriting. The verdict is believed to be the first of this nature nationwide. A Texas jury found cardiologist Ramachandra Kolluru's handwriting had contributed to the death of a 42 year old man. Dr Kolluru issued a prescription for 20 mgs of Isordil every six hours. Because of the illegibility of the prescription, a pharmacist dispensed the same dosage of Plendil. After taking a 16% overdose of Plendil, the patient had a heart attack and died several days later.
Illegible handwriting is sometimes an issue during external audits and internal compliance audits and may result in the return of payments received from insurers. It is also frustrating for physicians and other practitioners involved in a patient's care when medical record entries cannot be read. Good handwriting is a key component of quality patient care, so when that pen is poised, please take the time to write a legible note!