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 might still be violating HIPAA today—without realizing it. Let’s look … Read more
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 really protect? Most institutional malpractice policies are structured to protect … Read more
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 alternative for follow-up care. Following this road map helps defend … Read more
You’re in the middle of a busy clinic when federal agents walk through your front door. They flash their badges. “We’re from ICE,” one says. “We’re looking for someone.” Do you let them in? It’s a question that makes every physician and practice manager pause—not because anyone is hiding fugitives, but because we live in … Read more
Attorneys sometimes use the media to direct public pressure on defendants to settle cases that never should have been filed. These are weak cases. Strong cases generally work the way through the court system. Strong cases do not need the media to distract. Weak cases do. In one recent case, a post-surgical patient experienced wound … Read more
Most physicians in the US carry $1M in professional liability coverage. That works for most situations. Does that mean a patient, now a plaintiff, will not attempt to sue for more, putting your personal assets at risk? No. In most states, patients can sue for economic damages and non-economic damages. Economic damages include lost wages, … Read more
I am often asked this question: I was asked to be a Medical Director for an aesthetic practice. They say I do not have to be on site. My obligation will be minimal. I just have to review an occasional chart. And be available to discuss in case there’s some type of emergency. And I’ll … Read more
We all periodically blow off steam. In a high stress medical practice, not all patients are delighted with their care. Or service. Or cost. Or parking. The list is long. They may make their unhappiness known by raising their voice in person or on the phone. Writing rotten reviews. And more. Often the problem is … Read more
Most physicians will be sued at least once in their career. Plaintiff’s attorneys generally screen their cases for merit. Since they are paid on contingency, they want to make sure the estimated payout will be worth the time and money they invest in the litigation. If you are sued in small claims court for negligence, … Read more
Most physicians have a single medical license allowing them to practice in one state. Still, one can collect quite an assortment of licenses. There are 50 states in the United States. There’s the District of Columbia. And five inhabited territories (American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands, and Northern Mariana Islands). Do the math. … Read more
