Female physician delivering bad news to a patient

It Sucks to Deliver Bad News.

Doctors are healers. We want to deliver good news. “That worrisome PSA test was a false positive.” “Your breast biopsy was negative.” “You are responding to the treatment.” You get to share high-fives with your patient. That’s one of the reasons you went into medicine. But biology doesn’t always cooperate. You may have given it … Read more

Physician signing asset protection documents

When is Asset Protection Too Late?

I occasionally get calls from physicians in the middle of litigation, asking whether they can shield vulnerable assets in the event they lose their professional liability case. Such doctors may not have professional liability coverage. Or they may be underinsured, for example, having limits of $200k or $250k. Or they may want their day in … Read more

Close up of gloved hand reading genetic testing results

Genetic Tests as an Evolving Standard of Care Prior to Routine Surgery

On January 27, 2026, a joint communication from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia alerted its members. Recent communications from South American anesthesia societies describe healthy adult and pediatric patients of Venezuelan ancestry who have had unexpected catastrophic outcomes, including severe neurologic damage with basal ganglia infarcts and death, after … Read more

Doctor on computer working through checklist concept

One More Item on the To-Do List When Terminating the Doctor-Patient Relationship 

Most physicians know the requirements that must be met when terminating the doctor-patient relationship. The requirements must be satisfied to avoid a charge of abandonment with a medical board.  You must give the patient sufficient time to find another doctor. The language often reads as “we remain available to treat you for urgent or emergent conditions related to our … Read more

Overstuffed cabinet and folders with paperwork

The Case Against Holding Too Many Medical Licenses

About one mile from our office sits the historic Julian Price mansion. This is what it looks like today. Nice, right? The prior owner fell onto hard times. The bank foreclosed on the property. And it took more than five years to evict the delinquent owner. The prior owner, Sandra Cowart, was featured on the … Read more

Senior doctor learning to use AI tools in his medical practice

AI is a Tool—Not a Shield: Can I Get Sued for Using It?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. It’s being used to transcribe visits, summarize research, draft letters, and more. Some say it’s the future of medicine. Others say it’s the Wild West.  A question I’ve been asked more than once:“If I use AI in my practice, can I get sued?”  Short answer: Yes. But let’s unpack that.  … Read more

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