Terminating Patients for Disruptive Behavior
These two case studies provide examples of situations where there is a question about how to terminate the provider-patient relationship. In the practice of medicine, there are several situations where the patient relationship has deteriorated to the point where terminating the relationship is a relevant option.
The Risks of Treating Family Members and Staff
Expert advice on navigating the complexities of treating staff or family members
Breaking Down the New Rules on Patient Access to Medical Records
In the era of open access, patient portals, and new information blocking rules, patients now have the ability to demand documentation of their visits with medical providers. Find out what the new rules mean for providers, including common records to which patients don't have access
Points to Consider Before You Hire a Scribe for Your Practice
What should you consider before hiring a scribe? Is there a risk of introducing a scribe into the physician-patient experience?
Handling Unsolicited Test Results
Although there is no legal duty, in the interest of patient safety here are some suggested steps you should take in returning an unsolicited diagnostic test
Protecting Your Practice in the Age of Telecare
Among other things, 2020 will go down as The Year of Telemedicine. What began as a response to COVID-19 has emerged to become a more permanent shift in health care.
Six Ways to Minimize Medical Liability Risk
When it comes to medical liability risks, you can never overemphasize prevention. The best way to avoid adverse outcomes is implementing measures that prevent them from happening in the first place.
Within Normal Limits—A New Podcast by COPIC
COPIC has launched a podcast called Within Normal Limits: Navigating Medical Risks. Hosted by Eric Zacharias, MD, an internal medicine doctor and physician risk manager with COPIC, the podcast offers insights for physicians and medical providers on pitfalls to avoid and best practices to improve patient care. Each episode is around 20 minutes and focuses on conversations between Dr. Zacharias and other medical experts/physicians who provide practical guidance through detailed analysis and case study reviews.
Diagnostic Errors: The “Big Three” That Account for 75% of Errors
In the world of medical liability, we know that diagnostic errors are an issue. However, the scope of the problem is uncertain, as national estimates about diagnostic errors that cause substantial harm can range from 40,000 to four million each year. When examining this topic, a good starting point is to define what constitutes this type of error.
Diagnostic Errors: The “Big Three” That Account for 75% of Errors
The Big Three are not evenly distributed across specialties or patients—missed vascular events are most common in emergency care, missed infections are most important among children, and missed cancer diagnoses lead the way in primary care.
The Empathy Effect: 4 Ways to Build Trust and Strengthen Relationships with Patient
The provider-patient relationship is critical to quality care, especially now, in an age of heightened uncertainty. Communicating effectively is one of the most important skill sets any provider can have, and continuously improving your capacity for relationship building will benefit you and your practice for years to come.
Elective Procedures and Surgery During COVID-19
There are three areas of preparation a healthcare system, hospital, facility, or provider group should consider as they schedule elective surgeries or procedures, as COVID-19 is still a concern:
Resources and Guidance for Reopening Medical Practices
Health care is facing a continual changing environment surrounding COVID-19. As medical practices reopen, they are looking for support and information to help them navigate these changes. Below are some general guidelines and expert resources to provide assistance for physicians and medical practices during this time.
Advice for Dealing with Potentially Dangerous Patients
Healthcare providers regularly deal with patients under stress and are exposed to the risk or threat of violence in the workplace at higher rates than most other professions. Unfortunately, the nature of the profession makes it necessary for providers sometimes to care for, manage, or defend themselves from a person who is acting out violently.
Five Essential Cybersecurity Threats to Focus On
While the issue of cyber liability is something medical providers have been warned about for years, the question of “where to start” to protect yourself can be complicated. Last year, the Department of Health and Human Services released a publication titled “Health Industry Cybersecurity Practices: Managing Threats and Protecting Patients” to help medical practices and facilities prioritize what issues to tackle first.
What’s Wrong with This Notice?
Recognizing Scams that Target Physicians
What’s Wrong with This Notice?
From illegitimate representatives who claim to be “official Medicare agents” to fake prescription discount cards, there is no shortage of scams that are connected to healthcare.
Considerations for Law Enforcement Interactions
Health care providers may experience interactions with law enforcement personnel that create uncertainty around their responsibilities to patients, including the duty to protect patients’ privacy. Law enforcement personnel are tasked with ensuring public safety and conducting criminal investigations.
“I Want a Whole-Body MRI” When Patients Demand Unnecessary Tests
Case Study: A 63-year-old patient was at his primary care physician’s office for an annual physical exam. The patient told the physician that he wanted “a whole-body MRI to make sure I don’t have any treatable cancer before it’s too late.” The patient noted he had recently seen cancers in several of his friends and colleagues.
Handling Attorney Requests for Medical Records
One of the challenges of being a medical provider is when your world intersects with the legal world. It can place you in situations where confusion and concern may arise when deciding the proper course of action. A common example is when health care providers receive medical records request from an attorney.