Infection Control
Jan 03, 2022
COVID-19 and Patient Safety in the Medical Office
Due to the rapid spread of the COVID-19 Omicron variant into 39 states in just two weeks, the CDC issued a warning that healthcare providers should prepare for a potential “tidal wave” of infections in January. Medical offices must make preparation as the winter months approach—the peak season for respiratory illness.
Oct 25, 2021
Flu or COVID-19? Convergence of Two Viruses Creates Risk of Diagnostic Errors
Understanding the differences between the flu and COVID-19 will help to prevent misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of either disease.
Professional Education
Prevention of Dental Errors
for Florida Dental Practices
The purpose of this continuing dental education activity is to provide
dentists with the most current information regarding the prevention of
common performance and diagnostic errors. The course covers:
• Identification of the most common quality-of-care violations.
• Illustrative case studies detailing prevalent diagnostic and
performance errors.
• The necessary elements of an RCA.
• Safety systems in healthcare organizations.
• Risk management measures designed to prevent dental errors and
increase patient safety.
This course is specific to Florida statutes and reflects regulations
effective in February 2018 for dentists licensed by the Florida Board of
Dentistry.
Professional Education
Patient Relations: Spotlight on Challenging Situations
The Doctors Company’s dedicated patient safety risk managers deliver a wide range of expert services and resources to our members—including personal telephone consultations to help guide members through challenging situations. A recent review of our call data shows that “patient relations” and “patient termination” consistently appear as the top reasons that members request assistance. The following strategies can help prevent challenging patient situations and provide guidance if one occurs.
Professional Education
Pathologists and Surgeons Can Collaborate to Reduce Diagnostic Error
The Doctors Company has updated the claims filed against pathologists between the years 2015 and 2020. The information provides quantitative and qualitative data that a pathologist and surgeon would find meaningful in reducing diagnostic error. This program provides a breakdown of where patient injuries occur involving pathologists and surgeons and how collaboration between the two disciplines can improve patient outcomes.
May 14, 2021
Managing Healthcare Practice Operations during COVID-19
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and fall across all regions of the United States, practices must adapt and adjust their operations according to regional mandates, which can transition overnight with the shifting environment. For areas where there is a resurgence of the virus or as new strains of the virus emerge, you will need to be attentive to newly imposed restrictions. If disease transmission slows further, authorities may lift additional restrictions.
Professional Education
Breast Cancer Claims – A Review in Gynecology
Breast cancer medical negligence claims are reviewed over a ten-year period to identify the major case types in which the gynecologist is the responsible party. The factors that contributed to those claims as identified by plaintiff and defense physician experts are discussed through case examples with learner questions. Risk mitigation strategies are identified to guide gynecologists in further providing the safest patient care and thereby improving their risk profile.
Apr 02, 2021
Pre-Procedural Screening and Testing During COVID-19
Throughout the pandemic, surgeons have faced many challenges in adapting to new situations. Now that facilities have resumed elective surgeries, surgeons are facing additional challenges in evaluating and scheduling patients who have recovered from COVID-19. The strategies highlighted here can help ensure a consistent approach in keeping both patients and providers safe.
Feb 26, 2021
Resources for Elective Procedures During COVID-19
Your patients most likely want to know about the safety of surgery during the pandemic and what occurs if they contract COVID-19 post-procedure. You may have questions about keeping your staff and patients safe, informing patients about new risks the pandemic has created, and potential liability risks you may be facing.
Jan 28, 2021
Missed Diagnosis of Spinal Epidural Abscess
Spinal epidural abscess requires prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious neurological complications.
Professional Education
HIPAA Fundamentals: 2021 Edition
This on-demand program provides an orientation to the basic requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA gives patients many rights with respect to their health information.
Professional Education
It's the Little Things: An Introduction to Enhancing Patient Relations and Reducing Risks
It's the Little Things is designed to assist medical practices with improvements in patient interactions by looking at how incorporating hospitality as a focus makes a difference. It has been developed to improve multiple facets of patient interaction.
Professional Education
Lessons Learned – Plastic Surgery Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations
This course is based on the findings of a study conducted by The Doctors Company that analyzed 415 claims that closed against plastic surgeons (from July 2015–December 2018).
Aug 17, 2020
What Lessons Did We Learn from COVID-19
Each year, The Doctors Company assembles healthcare leaders to discuss the most pressing issues affecting physicians, practices, and systems across the spectrum of care. The 2020 Executive Advisory Board meeting gathered top healthcare executives for a virtual discussion of shared pandemic experiences and lessons learned that can help healthcare organizations navigate through COVID-19 and beyond.
May 01, 2020
Informed Consent for COVID-19 Risks: Frequently Asked Questions
To support our members and the entire medical profession during this unprecedented time, the following are answers to some frequently asked questions regarding informed consent for COVID-19 risks.