Terminating Doctor-Patient Relationship. Must Letter be Sent Certified? Depends Where You Practice.
Not all relationships are meant to last forever. If you terminate a doctor-patient relationship, you shouldn’t do so in the middle of a treatment plan. And generally, you are required to continue care for 30 days or until the patient finds another provider, whichever comes first. And you should make records available to the new … Read more
We’re Not Taught How to Deliver Bad News in Medical School. Too Bad. It Can be Taught.
Part of learning to be a doctor is delivering news. Sometimes, the news is bad. I don’t recall receiving any training in delivering bad news when I was a medical student, a resident, or fellow. Some physicians have better innate skills in such conversations. Some … Read more
Doctor Files for Bankruptcy During Med Mal Case. Now What?
Professional liability suits are about collecting money. At least that is a main goal. Money from the doctor’s insurance carrier. Or if the verdict is over policy limits, or if you are not covered, then money from the doctor’s personal assets. If the doctor “has no money” then this process might be an … Read more
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 … Read more
A Clever Workaround to Non-Compete Agreements
Non-compete agreements work for the employer. They don’t really make the employee’s life easier. I understand the rationale. The employer invests heavily in a new recruit. This individual will be a loss-leader for a while. The employer built the practice. The employer believes he built the employee’s practice. And showed the employee all the tricks needed to be successful. … Read more
Stipulated Agreement Versus Rolling the Dice at a Hearing
A Board complaint can evolve into an investigation. An investigation can evolve into charges being filed. Once filed, your license is at risk. The Medical Board may offer an agreement in lieu of a hearing. The agreement would stipulate terms and conditions. The ostensible carrot is that you’d be bargaining for a certain outcome … Read more
Can You Practice Medicine Again After Serving Time in Prison?
Medicine is highly regulated. If you have the misfortune of being convicted and imprisoned, is there a path back to practicing medicine? I have had clients who served time in prison. They are now gainfully employed in the practice of medicine. So, the answer is … Read more
Top Medico-Legal Pitfalls Physicians Face and How to Avoid Them
The consequences of a lawsuit, licensing board complaint, or online attack can extend far beyond the exam room and impact your livelihood, reputation, and emotional well-being. Even the most skilled, well-intentioned physicians face legal exposure in today’s litigious healthcare climate. Medical Justice specializes in helping … Read more
More Stuff to Include in Your Notice of Privacy Practices
New HIPAA Requirements for Substance Use Disorder Privacy Protections On recent visits to see my physicians, I’m asked to use an electronic pen to sign a pad “about HIPAA.” I have no idea what I’m signing. I’m not shown the document, though I assume if … Read more
Some Hospitals Have More Stringent Board Certification Timelines than the Actual Boards
You do not need to be board-certified in your specialty to practice medicine. But you do need to be board certified to obtain initial licensure though the Interstate Medical Licensure Compact. You do not need to be board-certified in your specialty to participate in plain-vanilla … Read more
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