Recently, a doctor asked our thoughts on whether his standard HIPAA Notices of Privacy Practices could be amended to allow him to disclose protected health information online “to set the record straight.” His goal was not to debate a patient’s opinion. Rather, he wanted to be able to refute factually inaccurate online statements without … Read more
Botched executions are in the news again. The vast majority of states that allow for state sanctioned death penalty perform the execution via a three drug protocol. The first drug is an anesthetic – such as propofol or a barbiturate. The second drug is a neuromuscular paralytic agent. The final drug … Read more
Summary judgment was granted on June 10th to plaintiff Catherine Manzione in a multi-million dollar lawsuit. That means the plaintiff won without even having to present her case to the jury. The judge granted the motion noting there are no disagreements on the facts of the case. In that circumstance, the judge merely needs to … Read more
Most patients pay via insurance, check, debit card, or credit card. I’m guessing a handful of practices accept bitcoins. And, yes, every practice accepts cash.
Did you know that if you receive over $10,000 in a trade or business, Form 8300 needs to be filled out and sent to the IRS? Is medical care considered such a “trade or business?” Let’s analyze.
The phrase “Medicaid – Medicare Parity” typically draws a blank stare. A recent article by a healthcare attorney, Ericka Adler, described the presumed benefit of Medicaid – Medicare Parity and how one practice got close to going off the edge of a cliff. The Affordable Care Act contains a provision allowing certain physicians to … Read more
Faithful readers will recall blog we presented several weeks ago: Guess Who’s Back Trying Med Mal Cases? John Edwards. To refresh: Edwards, 60, is one of three lawyers representing the parents of a 4-year-old Virginia boy who was 3 months old in 2009 when he was under the care of physicians and staff … Read more
By Dr. JD, a plaintiff’s attorney, practicing in the Northeast
We continue our series of 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 stay out of harm’s way. While I do not necessarily agree with 100% of the details of every article, I think the messages are salient, on target, and fully relevant. Please give us your feedback – and let us know if you find the series helpful.
“Telemedicine” is a term that covers any use of electronic communication technology to convey medical information. It can be as basic as seeking a consultation or as advanced as robotic surgery. Teleradiologists and telepathologists use electronic communication to send radiographs and specimen images for diagnostic or consultation purposes. Pacemakers, electrocardiograms and oxygen saturations can be evaluated electronically by telecardiologists. Computer enhancement assists in the diagnosis and treatment of skin lesions in teledermatology. Electronic stethoscopes can be used to auscultate heart and lung sounds during electronic house calls in tele-home health care. Telepsychiatrists can have therapy sessions with patients who are unable to come to their office. Panels such as tumor boards and ethics committees can tele-conference with specialists.
You will probably eventually be involved somehow in telemedicine, either as a consultant or as a seeker of consultation. Be aware of the liability issues.
Earlier this year, a number of media outlets reported that a North Carolina hospital was attempting to contact 18 neurosurgical patients who might have been exposed to Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD). The potential source was a patient who had symptoms of CJD and had a neurosurgical procedure. Standard surgical instrument disinfection techniques are ineffective against … Read more
After a restful interlude, John Edwards has returned to his core competence – suing doctors.
In the world of liability exposure, patient portals can be a blessing or a curse.
That is because they close gaps in communication that often lead to complaints and lawsuits but they also create updated standards that have to be met.
For example, through the use of a portal you can get information or inquiries from patients faster and more reliably, but once a communication from a patient has been received into your system you are charged with dealing with it and so you must have a way to bring it to your attention promptly.
