Informed Consent: Substance and Signature
True informed consent is a process of managing a patient’s expectations through shared decision making. It is not just a signature on a document.
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Recording Office Visits and Procedures: Pros and Cons for Healthcare Professionals
Proactively addressing the use of electronic recordings can help practitioners avoid misunderstandings, reputational damage, and potential liability.
Professional Education
Missed Medical History Leads to Adverse Outcome (Claims Corner)
The Doctors Company has identified patient assessment issues and communication failure between providers as key contributors to malpractice claims. This dental case study describes how inadequate patient history taking and poor communication can lead to an adverse patient outcome. The lessons learned in this course are applicable to all healthcare professionals.
Dealing With Online Patient Complaints
Clinicians are understandably concerned about their reputations and the consequences of any negative comments posted about them on social media platforms.
Patient Safety Strategies for Hospitalists
Hospitalists face liability risks based on their diverse roles as an inpatient’s attending physician, covering physician, consultant, supervising physician, and/or co-manager. Common problems include confusion regarding the hospitalist’s responsibilities in the patient care continuum and miscommunication during different phases of inpatient care.
Professional Education
Failure to Rescue a Recurring Post-Surgical Event (Claims Corner CME)
Claims arising from the perioperative experience are frequent, often preventable, and some of the costliest claims for physicians. One study of surgical claims conducted by The Doctors Company noted that about two out of three general surgeons have been involved in a medical malpractice suit. Malpractice data consistently finds that the most serious and common post-operative complications are unrecognized intestinal puncture or perforation. Diagnostic error by surgeons involving unrecognized intestinal puncture or perforation of an organ can quickly lead to septic shock and death.
Obtaining Informed Consent in Clinical Teaching Situations
The basic principles governing informed consent and informed refusal apply to healthcare practitioners in all settings—including academic medical centers and any teaching location.
Directors and Officers/Management Liability Insurance
Protect your directors and officers from liabilities related to the operation and management of a business. It provides assurance in the event they are sued in conjunction with the performance of their duties as they relate to the healthcare organization—allowing them to make important business decisions without fear of personal financial loss.
Sep 14, 2020
Hospitalist Closed Claims Study
This review of 238 closed hospitalist claims identifies top allegations and factors contributing to patient injury.
Unethical Treatment Leads to Lawsuit and Dental Board Action
Our analysis and risk management discussion of a case involving allegations of unethical treatment includes strategies to help dental professionals avoid becoming the focus of an investigation or claim.