Risk Management - Medical Justice

Why Facebook Advertising Can Be Dangerous for Doctors

December 17, 2024April 16, 2019 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

Before we dive in, some fast advice. Social media is wrought with regulatory landmines. Doctors can use the space to their practice’s benefit, but you must be cognizant of the pitfalls. If you are navigating the online space, don’t go it alone. Schedule a consultation with our Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD. He … Read more

Request Your Confidential Medico-Legal Consultation

November 13, 2024February 5, 2019 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

You’ll receive a confirmation message upon submission. If you do not find this message immediately, please check your junk box. Your confirmation email will contain a brief message from Dr. Segal, who will review your situation and determine whether Medical Justice can assist. Afterwards, our team will contact you to schedule your consultation.

Stuck by a Needle. Your Patient Refuses Consent for HIV Testing. Now What?

August 15, 2024April 16, 2018 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

We recently blogged about a healthcare worker who was on the receiving end of a needlestick injury. The source patient agreed to be tested for HIV and hepatitis B and C. While the initial HIV test was positive, repeat testing was negative. Great news. The healthcare worker had been placed on post-exposure prophylaxis and it … Read more

Spousal Consent for Vasectomy

August 15, 2024April 9, 2018 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

A note to doctors: We are open to reviewing your consent forms for vasectomies. You definitely want to get these consent forms right – and one way to reduce your risk is to have that consent form vetted by expert counsel. Schedule a consultation with our Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, by using … Read more

Beware of the Trojan Horse

August 15, 2024March 19, 2018 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

The number of medico-legal landmines associated with running a practice is huge. Our cup runneth over. And most physicians are at least aware of these debacles. What most practices are blissfully unaware of: brouhahas caused by employees. A number of years ago I listened to an engaging talk by the head of Ritz Carlton. He … Read more

The Migration from Third Party Insurance to Accepting Risk

August 15, 2024November 13, 2017 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

This is not a story of medical practices becoming insurance-free. This year, a number of friends and colleagues explained they received a note from their long time health insurer. These were all people insured on the individual market. Their insurance plans were “grandfathered” so they did not have to purchase a policy on the exchange. … Read more

Cease and Desist

November 13, 2024October 16, 2017 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

If you’re a surgeon, I have little doubt you have done a stellar job in selecting your patients. You’ve never made a mistake. Never looked back and wondered “What was I thinking?” Never overruled your staff when they detected “red flags.” Never talked yourself into accepting a patient for the operating room when you’ve had … Read more

Physician Warns Medical Students How Easy it is to be Bribed

November 13, 2024June 12, 2017 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

In 2014, an internist pled guilty to violating anti-kickback laws for illegal referrals. She accepted monthly cash payments of $5,000 to refer patients to a New Jersey lab, Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services. Apparently a total of 30 doctors have been snagged in the roundup. Biodiagnostic Laboratory Services is now out of business. Dr. Martinho accepted a … Read more

Male physician working in operating room

Defensive Medicine: Everyday Life in the ER

September 17, 2024June 16, 2011 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

Michael J. Sacopulos, Esq.

According to a poll conducted by the American College of Emergency Physicians, nearly half of emergency physicians, 44 percent, say the biggest obstacle to cutting costs in emergency departments is overcoming the fear of lawsuits. The poll, made up of 1,800 emergency physicians, also found that more than half of physicians, 53 percent, state that the reason they conduct the number of tests they do is due to the fear of being sued.

The study also stated that specialists cite the fear of being sued as one of the top reasons they will not treat emergency patients.

I Can’t Remember Any Risky Patients. Do I Need Tail Coverage?

August 15, 2024March 15, 2011 by Jeffrey Segal, MD, JD

Jeff Segal, MD, JD, FACS

When times are challenging, you must spend your money wisely. A Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor recently posed this question on a physician social networking site.

Had professional liability coverage with his carrier for 21 months. Now moving to another state to work for the federal government. Worked at a chiropractor’s office – saw about 25 patients. Then opened a solo practice – saw about 120 patients: mostly worker’s comp or personal injury cases.

The carrier wants $12k for tail coverage. “I can’t think of any patient that would have a reason to sue me, but you never know…. Am I taking too much of a risk?”

The answer:

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