Ike Devji, JD

As tax season approaches, tax scams targeting doctors once again spike. Here are some basic tips for protecting yourself from criminals and the IRS.

Medical practice risk extends beyond patient care into liabilities such as employee lawsuits. Managing this risk requires a multidisciplinary approach.

Doctors must understand the basics of asset protection as a key part of their personal and professional success.

Here are some common reoccurring issues at the end of each year your practice needs to know about and act on properly.

Be smart. Securely dispose of old practice computers and other devices and install safeguards on new technology. You'll be glad you did.

Good asset protection goes far beyond mitigating malpractice risks. Some exposures, like financial fraud and identity theft, peak during the holidays.

The end of the year is a good time to a handle performance reviews. They are a key part of the process to encourage continued success and stellar performance.

Opiate prescribing can be a high risk activity for doctors if compliance measures aren't implemented. This risk is magnified when dealing with celebrities.

The holiday season presents recurring non-malpractice risks for doctors and their practices that can have serious legal consequences.

The last 60 days of the year are a key selling window for both good and bad tax reduction schemes. Make sure you cover all your bases.

The end of the year is a time when doctors begin thinking of ways to reduce their income tax exposure. Be wary: it is also a time rife with abusive tax plans.

Physicians who buy a medical practice assume a large spectrum of risk beyond their personal medical malpractice liability.

Selling a medical practice involves vital planning issues beyond the sales transaction. Liability and risk management planning should be part of every financial plan for sellers.

There are many legal and financial issues beyond the mechanics of the sale transaction that planners must address with medical practice owners and executives.

If your practice regularly treats high profile patients, you should develop a special VIP protocol for your physicians and staff.

As freestanding surgical centers continue to proliferate, physicians should keep a close eye on patient care standards, compliance, and asset protection.

Misclassifying an employee as an independent contractor has serious ramifications for medical practices. Make sure you know the distinction.

Physicians face a wide variety of exposures beyond medical malpractice claims including both labor and tax claims for misclassified contractors.

Many doctors are working on selling their practices. Here are four common legal areas that could pose problems.

Becoming a guarantor for medical student loans can place undue strains upon family income and assets. Develop a plan first, before committing to help a loved one.

Carrying and using a weapon for self defense while in a professional environment can bring grave consequences; both for physicians and their institutions. Be aware of legal provisions in your state.

Many physicians travel and volunteer their services. However, if you plan to deduct your volunteer-related expenses, there are rules that you should know about.

One of the biggest challenges facing physicians in obtaining asset protection is selecting qualified counsel. Make sure you do your due diligence.

Asset protection is a vital part of every physician's essential legal and financial plan; unfortunately, most doctors don't know how to pick the right legal help.

Despite higher than average incomes and education one asset that physicians surprisingly often fail to protect is their credit.

Offshore or international asset protection trusts can be safe, predictable, and effective, under the right conditions for physicians.

Despite the wide range of risk and planning issues for physicians to consider, a certain core group of tools is almost universally applicable to all doctors.

You lock up your house and car each day, so be sure to do the same with your digital assets. Here are six tips to start employing today.

When it comes to asset protection, keeping investments "secret" does not benefit investors, and may even place them at risk of fraud.