Health Insurance Reform Could Lead to Patient Abandonment: Why the Silence?
Will Washington cancel coverage for millions of patients and unleash a tidal wave of litigation on the U.S. healthcare system? I challenge leaders in healthcare and government to address this question.
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December 01, 2024, South Florida Hospital News and Healthcare Report
The Rising Threat of Nuclear Verdicts in Medical Malpractice: A Call for Tort Reform
Dr. Patricia Ares-Romero discusses the increasing trend of "nuclear verdicts"—jury awards exceeding $10 million—in medical malpractice cases. She highlights insights from Bob White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, noting that from 2013 to 2023, these verdicts surged by 67%, with the average award among the top 50 malpractice verdicts rising from $32 million in 2022 to $48 million in 2023.
The Doctors Company Assists Members Impacted by Hurricane Idalia
Due to disruption to member medical practices from Hurricane Idalia and consistent with direction from the Florida Office of Insurance Regulation, The Doctors Company will adjust policy cancellation and premium installment due dates for its Florida members in counties listed in the Request for Major Disaster Declaration.
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.
Telephone Triage and Advice: Patient Safety Strategies
Communications involving telephone triage and advice present a significant area of liability exposure for practitioners.
Health and Disability Insurance
A benefit program customized for your staff’s health and disability insurance needs. In today’s healthcare environment, the challenges of running a medical group are complex. We offer consultative, customized and innovative solutions to reduce and control costs, manage employee benefits, and safeguard your practice.
Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Practicing Out of Bounds
Unlicensed staff are vital to efficient patient flow in medical practice. Healthcare organizations have many tasks that are safely and effectively carried out by skilled unlicensed support staff every day. To reach such efficiencies with safety and reliability, careful attention must be given to scope of practice and state and local statutes regarding delegation and supervision. Policies and protocols that outline the scope of practice for unlicensed staff to follow independently, and when they must consult with licensed staff, help even the most talented of your staff understand their boundaries. This case illustrates how informal verbal guidelines can blur the lines and cause well-meaning staff to cross the boundary lines of their scope leading to misdiagnosis and death.
Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Recognition of Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a syndrome commonly seen in patients with alcohol use disorder who do not take adequate thiamine. WE should be suspected in any patient with conditions that may lead to malnutrition in combination with any of the following symptoms: altered mental status ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, delirium, and hypotension. Considered a medical emergency, it must be reversed to prevent permanent deficits. This case illustrates a cascade of errors which led to permanent disability. Some practical interventions to quickly recognize and reverse the condition are offered following the case presentation, which will be helpful for gastroenterology/gastroenterologists, ophthalmology/ophthalmologists, and neurology/neurologists.
February 26, 2025, STAT News
Are We Adopting AI Scribes Based on…Vibes?
This article examines AI-driven scribe technologies and their marketing claims. It also cites the article "Ambient Listening–Legal and Ethical Issues," in which I. Glenn Cohen, JD; Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM; and Richard F. Cahill, JD, provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical considerations associated with the use of ambient listening technologies in healthcare settings.
Increasing APC Responsibilities Lead to New Care Models: How TDC Group Provides Support
In a time of worsening physician shortages, new approaches to primary care, home care, and elder care are essential. Thoughtful structuring of care teams can assist many specialties in maintaining or expanding access to care while containing costs, relieving burdens for physicians, and continuing to provide high-quality and attentive care. Learn more about these new care models and how TDC Group provides support from Laura Kline, Senior Vice President of Business Development for TDC Group.
