Medical records often reflect differences of opinion and inconsistencies among the patient's health care team. Outright oral or written criticism of previous health care contributes nothing to the patient's needs and could lead to a malpractice claim, even when no negligence occurred. Remarks or record entries critical of prior care are a frequent reason patients consider litigation. Since all pertinent facts about prior care are rarely available, caution is advised in making judgments and comments.

Patients may take casual remarks critical of prior caregivers seriously, possibly destroying those relationships. Basing an opinion on a patient's report of prior circumstances may be unfair since symptoms and findings change over time and the patient's perceptions and recollections may be inaccurately reported. If, after you have considered the complete information, you judged prior care to have been flawed, summarize the clinical events with the patient and dispassionately answer his or her questions.

One of the most valuable practice habits involves accurately and objectively documenting and stating the patient's condition at the time you assume care. This, combined with a thorough review of prior care treatment records, should "keep the record straight" without pointing fingers or blaming others should prior care actually be problematic.