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Thomas Murphy
Tom Murphy is an agent for medical malpractice insurance with Danna-Gracey. He is based in Delray Beach, Florida.

Nov 27, 2023
Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Patients: Top FAQs
Debra Kane Hill, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, and Richard F. Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company
Healthcare professionals who accept Medicare and Medicaid patients must comply with federal laws pertaining to language assistance for LEP patients. We answer frequently asked questions.
From The Doctor’s Advocate

Professional Education
Preventing Errors in Preoperative Clearance (Claims Corner)
Primary care providers (PCPs) routinely manage complex elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who require elective surgery. Errors can occur when providers are rushed, there is a lack of effective interoffice communication, and the patient has a low health literacy. Communication and care coordination issues are commonly noted among PCPs and consulting specialists. The Doctors Company has analyzed closed claims where PCPs have been held responsible for failures in surgical mismanagement, specifically preop clearance. This program will highlight the contributing factors identified in malpractice claims involving medical clearance and provide practice strategies for reducing liability risk.

Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Lithium Toxicity, Fine Tuning Medications Used in Behavioral Health
Lithium therapy can be used for bipolar affective disorders and in depressive disorders where other antidepressants have been unsuccessful. It is considered a “high-risk” drug due to its narrow therapeutic range and potential for overdose toxicity. This case illustrates the pitfalls that occurred resulting in litigation. It is followed by a discussion of the problems that could have been avoided by following safety guidelines for prescribing lithium.

Effective Patient Communication for Challenging Situations
Poor communication often results in poor treatment outcomes and patient dissatisfaction. Our patient safety and risk management guide provides expert strategies and guidance that can help you improve communication with patients and families.

APC Professional Medical Liability Insurance
As you look after the physical, mental, and social well-being of your patients, take a moment to look after yourself. We can give you affordable, top-tier malpractice insurance coverage specifically made for advanced practice clinicians (APCs).

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