The Late Career Physician Evaluation is intended to be a screening done on physicians who are getting older (e.g. 65 to 70+ years of age) and either want or need to demonstrate that they are still fit to practice medicine. If concerns have already been raised about a physician’s health or ability to care for patients, KSTAR recommends more in-depth evaluations, such as our Fitness for Duty Evaluation and/or a Physician Assessment.
Physical examination – a complete physical done by an independent, board-certified physician, and including vision and hearing testing
Cognitive screening – screening to see whether or not further testing is needed
Review of recent patient care – Chart Stimulated Recall on Five Charts done by a same-specialty board certified physician
Multi-source feedback from co-workers and colleagues
If there are concerns raised by the initial evaluation, additional testing and screening can be done (additional fees apply).
If testing confirms that a physician has limitations that pose a threat to patient safety, KSTAR will work with the physician to help find the best path for the physician to mitigate that risk. In some cases, this could mean adjusting scope of practice, working less, having supervision or monitoring, or in some cases, retirement. When a physician is found to have an impairment that endangers patient safety, the physician will have to self-report this to their medical board or physician health program.
Process of the Evaluation
This evaluation takes approximately 1 day to perform. Evaluations are done in Bryan/College Station, Texas.
The physical examination is comprehensive, takes about one hour, and does not include labs, imaging, or other studies. If these are determined to be needed, KSTAR will work with the physician to help identify and facilitate follow-up in a manner that is sensitive to his or her needs.
The cognitive screening.
The Chart Stimulated Recall portion of the examination involves having the physician submit five charts of patient care. A same-specialty physician will review the charts ahead of time and discuss them with the physician. The reviewing physician will then rate the physician’s performance and write a brief synopsis.
Multi-source feedback is obtained using confidential questionnaires that are completed by co-workers and colleagues and returned directly to KSTAR.
The data generated from the evaluation components will be submitted to KSTAR. KSTAR will generate a final report with recommendations.
If you would like additional information regarding this type of evaluation, please contact us at 979-436-0407 or tladams@tamu.edu.
