Who Answers the Phone at Your Medical Office Matters—A Lot
Hell hath no fury like a dental patient scorned. One recent news flash: A woman in Lincoln County accused of slashing tires on 18 vehicles outside a dentist’s office has been arrested and charged, Lincolnton Police confirmed with Queen City News on Tuesday. Officers responded … Read more
HIPAA in 2024: What Doctors Need to Know
When the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) was first established in 1996, it lacked the stringent penalties we see today. But in recent years, the enforcement landscape has transformed significantly. The Office for Civil Rights (OCR) conducts random audits, and multi-million dollar fines … Read more
Physicians Should Run a Self-Query in the National Practitioner Data Bank—Here’s Why
The National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB) is a federal repository of information detailing specific actions against healthcare providers. It includes settlements and judgments paid by an insurance carrier in your name (you being the defendant). It includes disciplinary actions by state licensing boards, including public … Read more
How to Mitigate Risk When Opening a Medical Practice—Beyond Med Mal Insurance
Starting a medical practice comes with a host of considerations related to mitigating risks that must be carefully navigated for a compliant, secure, and successful operation. Contrary to popular belief, securing medical malpractice insurance covers only a fraction of the risks you may face. We … Read more
Stepping Up: Why Healthcare Professionals Must “Toe” the Line on Review Compliance
Ever heard of Hey Dude? It’s an online shoe retailer. In the crosshairs for manipulating online reviews. They received a Sasquatch-sized fine by the Federal Trade Commission. In the healthcare world, patients increasingly rely on online reviews to make healthcare decisions, such as who will … Read more
Can You Be Reported to the Data Bank if You Are Caught Practicing Without a License?
In all states, you need some type of license to practice medicine. There is some flexibility to address unique situations. In Nevada, there’s a license for “special events” to demonstrate medical techniques and procedures, often at a convention. But you still must apply for a … Read more
When Your Patient Pulls Out Their Phone and Starts Recording
One Medical Justice member recently wrote about a patient pulling out their phone in the middle of a consultation. Then they started recording. This physician works in New York. The practice was reasonably concerned the patient might use this recording for less than honorable purposes. … Read more
Your Patient Wants Their Medical Record Changed. Now What?
I hear from so many physicians about how much they love documenting in the medical record. In fact, if they could do it every waking hour, they would. Just kidding. Today, patients have easy access to their medical records and test results. What happens when … Read more
A Novel Legal Theory. Suing a Pharma Company for NOT Developing a Drug.
Gilead is a biotechnology company that develops and distributes HIV treatments. Its compounds have saved and extended countless lives. Gilead is being sued in California by HIV patients for not timely developing a new drug. Some background. Gilead manufactured and marketed its HIV/AIDS drug, tenofovir … Read more
Attorney General Cracks Down on Form Non-Disclosure Agreements Targeting Physician’s Negative Reviews
Many moons ago – actually in the aughts – Medical Justice advocated for “non-disclosure agreements” to address the emerging problem of negative online reviews. Online reviews in healthcare were just gaining traction. Our belief, then, was that the vast majority of physicians were defined by … Read more
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Healthcare Reform HIPAA & Patient Privacy Legal Medical Malpractice News/Announcements Patient Safety Reputation Management Risk Management
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