Galactorrhea and Specialty Board Certification: When Disability Meets High-Stakes Testing
Becoming board certified is a rite of passage. It has become a de-facto must-have document in addition to licensing. For many jobs, you need to be board certified or board eligible. Many hospitals require it to become part of its active medical staff. If you … Read more
Can Third Parties Access Your Patient’s STD Records?
Medical records can be used for offense. They can be used for defense. If a patient sues YOU for medical malpractice, all of their records are fair game (or at least most of their records). A plaintiff cannot use the medical record as both a … Read more
Statute of Limitations vs. Statute of Repose: What’s the Difference?
Most physicians are generally aware that a patient has a fixed amount of time to file a lawsuit. If not filed, then the patient, now a plaintiff, loses that right. There are two “statutes” that set the clock. The first is statute of limitations. There, … Read more
The Blame Game: Can a Patient Sue Me if They Are Unhappy With the Referral I Give?
Referrals are a standard part of medical care. Whether it’s sending a patient to a specialist, an imaging center, or a surgical facility, referrals happen thousands of times a day. But what happens when a patient is unhappy with the person or place you referred … Read more
AI is a Tool—Not a Shield: Can I Get Sued for Using It?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It’s being used to transcribe visits, summarize research, draft letters, and more. Some say it’s the future of medicine. Others say it’s the Wild West. A question I’ve been asked more than once:“If I use AI in my practice, can … Read more
Avoiding the “Hired Gun” Trap: How Experts Can Maintain Credibility and Remain Impartial Despite Financial Incentives
Guest Blog Post by Dr. Noah Kaufman When an attorney contacts me for the first time, I usually try to request a blind review up front. Sometimes, unknowing attorneys will let the cat out of the bag in their initial phone call or email, but … Read more
What Counts for De-Identification of Protected Health Information in the Age of AI?
As per HIPAA, a covered entity cannot disclose protected health information unless the referenced patient (or guardian/representative) gives authorization. Or there’s an exception to that requirement. So, what IS protected health information (PHI)? Protected health information is information, including demographic information, which relates to: For … Read more
Refresher on HIPAA: Could You Be Violating It Without Knowing?
HIPAA is not a “set it and forget it” rulebook. It’s a living framework that evolves as technology changes, as patient expectations shift, and as regulators redefine what qualifies as protected health information (PHI). Even if you haven’t touched your privacy policies in years, you … Read more
Should I Get My Own Malpractice Insurance in Addition to What My Hospital Provides?
If you’re employed by a hospital or health system, there’s a good chance malpractice coverage is part of the package. On the surface, that sounds reassuring. But it’s worth taking a closer look at what that coverage actually means for you. Who does the policy … Read more
Do You Always Need to Give 30 Days’ Notice to Terminate a Doctor-Patient Relationship?
Not all relationships are designed to last forever. Some relationships end in divorce. Some doctor-patient relationships need to be terminated. The guiding principle for terminating a doctor-patient relationship is to give 30 days’ notice, make records available to the patient, and give them a reasonable … Read more
Blog Categories
Healthcare Reform HIPAA & Patient Privacy Legal Medical Malpractice News/Announcements Patient Safety Reputation Management Risk Management
Medico-legal challenge? We can help.
Receive weekly updates in your email inbox