Plan and Prepare for the Patient

Plan and Prepare for the Patient

Do not wait for the patient to be in the office to understand the reason for the visit. Prior to the patient appointment the chart should be updated regarding the care the patient received from another provider or hospital, and whether there has been a change in medical conditions or medications. Review the past issues, as well as any test, scans or labs that are due. Additionally, remind the patient if you had previously requested they bring a current list of medications, track dietary intake, blood pressures or any other requests.

Liability for the acts of others, the concept of vicarious liability based in the legal theory of Respondeat Superior

Many practices, medical groups, or professional associations may have liability exposure based on the conduct of another in their office or practice due to vicarious liability.  This liability is based upon the legal concept of Respondeat Superior. Respondeat Superior (Latin)…

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Refusal to Consent or Informed Refusal

The doctrine of informed consent is well known to healthcare practices, and most have well established policies and procedures for the physician to obtain informed consent. Informed consent is defined as: a patient’s knowing choice about treatment or a procedure,…

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Corporate Transparency Act – It May Impact Your Healthcare Practice

In 2021, as part of the National Defense Act, Congress enacted the Corporate Transparency Act which imposes new reporting requirements for some businesses as of January 1, 2024.  The purpose of the Corporate Transparency Act was to strengthen the United…

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When to Review and Change Your Office’s Policies and Procedures

When setting up their practice or soon thereafter, most healthcare professionals took the time to develop employee manuals, policies and procedures, websites, and other documentation to be used in the practice.  It is important to remember that these documents and…

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Communication is Still Key, But Remember Your Audience

You have surely heard it several times: patients who believe they have a good relationship with their physician are considerably less likely to sue in the event of an adverse outcome. But a physician need not spend hours with each…

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How to Make Informed Consent Work for You

Informed consent is defined as: a patient’s knowing choice about treatment or a procedure, made after a physician or other healthcare provider discloses whatever information a reasonably prudent provider in the medical community would provide to a patient regarding the…

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Improving your Medical Practice by learning from those in the Business of Insurance

How can Insurance help physicians improve their medical practice? Medical Malpractice Insurance is an essential component of a physician’s medical practice. It provides protection to the physician against legal liability from a claim by a patient of injury or death…

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Missouri Covid Law Update

Covid-19 has created numerous challenges to health care providers and their practices. Many practices had to change the manner in which they saw patients by limiting the number of patients on premises or seeing more patients via telemedicine. These precautions…

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Medical Record Retention in Missouri

What are the requirements for maintenance of medical records? How long must a physician maintain a medical record? Medical Records are an essential part of any medical practice and the delivery of medical care to patients. Medical records provide information…

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