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Medicolegal

How to get full reimbursement for Medicare services

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C February 16, 2010

Our expert offers a review of "incident-to" billing.

California hospitals fined for preventable errors

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

Since the penalty program went into effect, 134 fines have been levied against 90 hospitals.

Breach in protocol ends in suit

By Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

Physicians fail to follow the clinic's rules, which appear unrealistic in retrospect, regarding PA supervision.

Suspected child abuse leads to arrest

Ann W. Latner, JD February 12, 2010

In a child with no history of suspicious injury, were the clinicians too hasty in their judgment?

Medical malpractice suits drop sharply in Tennessee

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

The drop in cases has not yet been reflected in the cost of malpractice insurance for clinicians.

Tort reform hangs in the balance in Georgia

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

In 2005, the state enacted a tort reform package that included a $350,000 cap on non-economic medical malpractice damages, and a change to the burden of proof required in suits against emergency medical providers.

Annual report highlights six "judicial hellholes"

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

A "judicial hellhole" is a place where judges systematically apply laws and court procedures in an unfair and unbalanced manner.

Who takes the blame for a delayed diagnosis?

Ann W. Latner, JD January 19, 2010

With no documentation to refer to, the clinician comes under scrutiny.

Lung cancer mistaken as influenza

David S. Starr, MD, JD January 13, 2010

Relying only on her notes, a clinician was able to explain why a chest x-ray was not ordered sooner.

Signs of stroke never suspected

Ann W. Latner, JD December 21, 2009

A case that started with dizziness and earache ends with the patient paralyzed and bedridden.

Trial lawyers prepare for tort reform fight

December 21, 2009

Supporters urged to convince Congress to "put patients first."

Majority of medical liability premiums stabilize or drop

December 21, 2009

Tort reform successful in keeping down high malpractice premiums

Arizona toughens burden of proof in malpractice cases

Ann W. Latner, JD December 21, 2009

Plaintiffs will have to prove by "clear and convincing" evidence that the health-care provider committed negligence.

The danger of a sloppy referral

David S. Starr, MD, JD November 16, 2009

A supervising physician's notes said the patient had been referred to a cardiologist, but the PA's notes did not. Lawyers seize on the discrepancy.

Courts to decide legitimacy of malpractice award caps

Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

State supreme courts in Georgia, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Maryland will determine whether to do away with caps on non-economic damages.

Washington State Supreme Court overturns certificate of merit requirement

Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

Some states require a qualified medical expert to sign off on a document attesting that there is merit to the plaintiff's claim.

Errors lead to undiagnosed melanoma

By Ann W. Latner, JD November 16, 2009

After referring his patient to a dermatologist to have a mole looked at, the clinician considered the case resolved. Not so fast.

A decade of child abuse goes undetected

David S. Starr, MD, JD October 13, 2009

The patient's symptoms and her situation at home were not considered indicative of sexual abuse.

Nearly nine out of 10 U.S. physicians support President`s backing of malpractice reform

September 11, 2009

In the same survey, 94% of physicians say defensive medicine has led them to order unnecessary tests or procedures.

Concussion knocks football player out of competition

David S. Starr, MD, JD September 11, 2009

A football pro sues his team's doctor and physician assistant after repeat concussions sideline his promising career.

South Carolina NP/PA meetings

September 01, 2009

A list of upcoming meetings for clinicians in South Carolina

Four steps to successful negotiation

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C August 17, 2009

Ensure you get what you want by following these simple guidelines.

Patient confidentiality

August 13, 2009

Independent exam seems to blur roles

Ann W. Latner, JD August 03, 2009

If an insurance company hires you to evaluate disability claims, are you functioning as its agent or as the patient's clinician?

ED doctor ignores NP's suggestions

Ann W. Latner, JD August 03, 2009

Nevertheless, she's sued for malpractice, along with the physician and the hospital, when the patient dies.

Many patients lack information on lab results

July 27, 2009

Failure to inform patients of their tests results may raise the likelihood of a lawsuit.

Perforated gloves tied to risk for surgical-site infection

July 27, 2009

Surgical gloves that develop holes or leaks during a procedure appear to increase the risk of infection at the surgical site among patients who are not given antibiotics beforehand.

Malpractice payouts continue to fall

July 27, 2009

According to the watchdog group Public Citizen, medical malpractice payouts continued to fall across the country last year and account for a minuscule portion of health-care costs.

When it comes to employment agreements, get it in writing

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C July 23, 2009

Our first foray into the business end of medicine (a largely neglected topic) explains the importance of ensuring that you have the right employment contract.