Physician Risk Management – September 1, 2013
September 1, 2013
View Issues
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No diagnostic test ordered? Be sure chart includes the reason it wasn’t
Physicians can best protect themselves from allegations involving failure to order diagnostic tests by documenting their decision-making process. -
Suit over informed consent? Make it easier to defend
Physicians can be held liable under an informed consent theory of liability, regardless of whether the standard of care was met. -
Informed consent not always necessary
There are two types of situations where courts have held doctors are not required to provide informed consent to their patients. -
Fix EMR issues before med/mal suit
Electronic health records (EHRs) sometimes can complicate the defense of a medical malpractice lawsuit due to inaccurate or incomplete medical records. -
EMR update? Assess for problems
Check for unintended effects -
Not all claims covered by med/mal policies
Physicians should be aware of types of claims excluded by their medical professional liability policies, including intentional wrongful acts, fraudulent activity, or sexual misconduct. -
How you can stop risk-prone communication
Poor communication is often the precipitating factor in malpractice litigation, according to medical/legal experts interviewed by Physician Risk Management. -
Patient harmed self after being in your care?
How you can protect yourself legally. -
What is legal standard for non-psych MDs?
Dismissal often hinges on documentation. -
LRC: Failure to diagnose bacterial meningitis causes infant’s death and $1.7 million verdict.
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LRC: Surgeon hit with $5.1 million verdict for botched forehead lift.