Wasteful admissions

I admitted a patient for an uncomplicated case of fecal impaction ... a bad case of constipation a few days ago. While fecal impaction requires treatment it usually doesn't require hospitalization in on otherwise healthy patient. When I talked to my supervising residents they told me that there is no way to stop this senseless admission. The patient was easily treated with fleet enemas at a a ridiculous cost. Even the attending physician wondered what was going on. The decision was made by a busy hospitalist for reasons that are unclear.
--Ralf

Location:El Rio St,Houston,United States