Our latest efforts to encourage AJCC staging by the managing physician
has uncovered yet another reason why they refuse to comply -
medicolegal implications.

The pulmonologists and gastroenterologists are the hold outs. They are
not comfortable staging from a diagnostic procedure because of the many
unknowns...and they refuse to enter 'x' or '9'. They call it valueless
paperwork that serves no purpose. (I cannot wholeheartedly disagree!)

I am referring to cases diagnosed with cancer via scopes -
bronchoscopy / colonoscopy / etc. - without further definitive
procedures at this facility.

Has anyone else heard of the 'legality' arguement for not staging?
How have you addressed it?
Where am I going wrong?

Nancy