Re: release of patient based on NRCREG 35.75

[Chris Alston <alstonc@odrge.odr.georgetown.edu>]

>Thanks for providing me with a good laugh.
>
>Let me assure you that third party payors will insist that ALL I-131 therapies
>be done on an outpatient basis if they can get away with it, simply to reduce
>the reimbursement, regardless of the consequences.  After all, the third party
>payor will certainly not be climbing into the dumpster with you to locate the
>contaminated diaper.  If the hospital down the road is doing I-131 therapy on
>an outpatient basis, why aren't YOU, the third party payor will ask.
>
>For those of you who have yet to climb into a dumpster full of three-day old
>trash, this is your opportunity to have some "fun".  Yes, I know it's LEGAL to
>send that 200 mCi I-131 thyroid carcinoma patient home in a taxi after they
>have assured you they won't be going out anywhere.  Be warned that the state
>DEP will likely decide you are at fault for not giving sufficient instructions
>to the patient when the radioactive trash is discovered at the mall.
>Explaining that you followed the rules may not help.  Ask your management
>representatives at the next Radiation Safety Committee meeting how they will
>feel when the local paper prints a story with headline: "Local Hospital
>Questioned About Radioactive Trash".   Just because it's legal doesn't mean
>it's wise.
>
>Just my opinion...
>
>Stu Korchin
Chris Alston
alstonc@odrge.odr.georgetown.edu
I am not here a representative of my employer.

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