Spousal Consent for Vasectomy
A note to doctors: We are open to reviewing your consent forms for vasectomies. You definitely want to get these consent forms right – and one way to reduce your risk is to have that consent form vetted by expert counsel. Schedule a consultation with … Read more

Is Death in the Eye of the Beholder
It’s been said the only thing certain in life is death and taxes. Tax rates vary by state. And, what may come as a surprise to many doctors, the definition of death (or how someone is declared dead) is not uniform across all 50 states. … Read more





Circumcision Wars
While the issue has been fluid, as of the date this post was penned, the Icelandic parliament was considering a bill to outlaw male circumcision for nonmedical reasons.  The bill, introduced […] by four political parties, uses the same wording as a 2005 Icelandic law banning female genital … Read more





Beware of the Trojan Horse
The number of medico-legal landmines associated with running a practice is huge. Our cup runneth over. And most physicians are at least aware of these debacles. What most practices are blissfully unaware of: brouhahas caused by employees. A number of years ago I listened to … Read more





Informed Consent and Facial Fillers: Risk versus Reward
In May, the FDA issued a report called: Unintentional Injection of Soft Tissue Filler into Blood Vessels in the Face: FDA Safety Communication.  For our general audience, fillers are approved to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or augment hollowed-out areas, such as lips or cheeks. When … Read more





Prescribing Over the Phone
We continue with our series of general educational articles penned by one attorney, an MD, JD, giving you a view of the world through a malpractice plaintiff attorney’s eyes. This attorney is a seasoned veteran. The series includes a number of pearls on how to … Read more





Should You Have a Pre-Nup?
We continue with our series of general educational articles penned by one attorney, an MD, JD, giving you a view of the world through a malpractice plaintiff attorney’s eyes. This attorney is a seasoned veteran.  The series includes a number of pearls on how to … Read more





Patients to Be Dinged by Insurance If ER Visit Not Emergent
Anthem rolled out a new policy holding patients directly responsible for the ER bill if it is later deemed non-emergent. And who will decide whether the visit was emergent or not? You guessed right. Anthem’s policy is in place in Georgia, Kentucky, and Missouri. Next … Read more





Iowa Board of Medicine Makes Love an Actionable Offense.
Perhaps the headline should read “Iowa Board of Medicine Makes Making Love an Actionable Offense.” Boards of Medicine generally take action if a physician inappropriately propositions a patient for sex. Some boundary issues are obvious. If a psychiatrist is in the middle of an active treatment plan with a patient, … Read more





Dodging a Bullet. Occupational Hazards of Healthcare.
If you practice in an operating room, sooner or later you will get stuck with a needle. We all try to follow best practices. But, when you have sharp tools, on occasion, the unfortunate does happen. Last year, an ophthalmologist in Oregon relayed this tale. … Read more





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