I received a call from a general surgeon in California. He was re-credentialing for hospital privileges. He was re-credentialing for his in-network status with insurance companies. And, renewing his medical license was around the corner.
Credentialing questions have gotten longer and more detailed.
Over the years, I have seen many lawsuits where a specific operation ended in a complication. Two come to mind. An ob-gyn performs a hysterectomy or uterine repair and a ureter is sutured. A general surgeon performs a laparoscopic cholecystectomy and the common bile duct is clipped. Some of these cases turn into lawsuits. Some … Read more
Every month I receive a letter from my electric company. It shows how much power I am consuming relative to my peers – my neighbors. Studies have shown such data, when presented in a non-confrontational way – can impact behavior. In those studies, total energy consumption went down. In the letter I receive, no allowance … Read more
I can understand why a Medical Board investigates a practice for allegations related to patient safety. I get it when the Board responds to concerns a doctor may be taking advantage of patients sexually. The main purpose of the Medical Board is to protect the public.
What I don’t understand is when a Medical Board stretches its mandate in “protecting the public.”
Case in point, Donovan Dave Dixon, MD.
Remember the movie War of the Roses. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas play married characters. They hated each other. But, neither wanted to part with their opulent house. So, they stay put. No one moved. They continue to spew hate and back it up with hateful actions. Recently, a Medical Justice member said they cared … Read more
Illegal immigration is now the buzz of the political ball. Candidates are talking about building a wall, rounding up and deporting undocumented immigrants, and its economic ramifications.
What happens when undocumented workers are injured and need long term medical care? What must hospitals do? What do hospitals do?
Scenario #1: Some doctors believe, incorrectly, that if a patient has already disclosed protected health information on the Internet, his doctor can “correct” the record online. In other words, if a patient slams a doctor online, and attaches his name or picture to the review, many doctors believe the toothpaste is out of the tube, … Read more
A few of our members are psychiatrists. Most are not. On rare occasion a surgeon will get a call or email from a patient suggesting they are considering suicide. Or they have a detailed plan to take their life. Or they’ve posted this nugget of info on Facebook or a doctor review site and you get an email from the site.
The conundrum is how a non-psychiatrist, now aware of your patient’s thoughts, can determine whether your patient is an imminent danger to himself or others.
Physicians regularly renew their medical licenses. A typical question on the application reads:
Since you last renewed have you become aware of any medical condition that impairs or limits, or could possibly impair or limit, your ability to practice medicine safely? (If you are an anonymous participant in the Physician Health Program and in compliance with your contract, you do not need to list any medical conditions related to that contract).
Doesn’t happen often. But, when it does, expect a potential s*%#storm. Patient is anxious about the mole on his back. A dermatologist removes the mole and sends the specimen to the lab. Rule in or rule out melanoma. The lab says it never received the specimen. The dermatologist then does full excision. Then the doctor … Read more
