Risk Management

Physicians sometimes have to say no to patient requests. Often, the “No” with an explanation suffices. The patient gets it. They understand. They’re not angry. In fact, they may be appreciative.  But not always.  Sometimes “No” is followed by denial, anger, bargaining, depression, etc. Sound familiar?  How one says “No” matters as much as what … Read more

The doctor-patient relationship is an intimate relationship. It is based on trust. One of the tenets of trust is that it will not be exploited for personal gain.   Doctors become aware of patients’ most private secrets. And their vulnerabilities.  Still, medicine is “hands-on.” Examination of the patient often requires touch. And, if a patient initiates … Read more

Most telemedicine visits are little more than visual addendums to standard phone call encounters. Still, they add a face to a voice. One can pick up on body language. And they do enable limited examinations. For example, does the patient have a tremor? If so, what type? How would you characterize the patient’s gait? Is … Read more

Many physicians are asked to serve as Medical Directors.   Seems like easy money.   What do Medical Directors do?   Two things, actually. They act as administrators overseeing various operational issues – such as credentialing and privileging. And they serve as supervisors, assuming co-responsibility for mid-level providers.   Every state addresses physician relationships with physician assistants (PAs) and … Read more

Having continuous access to a medico-legal expert is not just a precaution but a strategic advantage for physicians. This proactive approach ensures that you’re equipped to handle both routine challenges and unexpected legal issues effectively.   Physicians often face a range of potential legal challenges, from patient refund requests and issues with clinical privileges to the … Read more

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 strongly recommend that physicians take a few extra steps to … Read more

MR Imaging is generally safe, but it’s easy to see how a patient can be injured if the team technicians become complacent. What do you think?

There are all types of ways to protect your assets from creditors. Some protections are creatures of state law. For example, Texas and Florida provide significant protections to your homestead. Also, many insurance policies (such as life insurance) are beyond the reach of creditors.   Physicians in some specialties and in some states are reasonably worried … Read more