Law & Malpractice

Court determines that an illegal referral can exist even if a physician plays no role in determining what provider a patient obtains services from.

CMS' newest shared-savings payment and delivery care model features higher risks and higher rewards. Here's how it differs from current ACO models.

Many physicians compare efforts to initiate policy changes to trying to move a mountain with a shovel, and indeed it sometimes takes just as long.

If you as a physician have ownership interests in any facility that you refer patients to, be sure you are in compliance with federal and state statutes.

Healthcare is two parts: the process and the outcome. The latter can get you sued, but how you handle and behave during the process can protect you.

Harrison Ford's airplane crash is another unfortunate event that can be used as a teachable moment for physicians and their financial future.

A new ranking of best states for physicians to practice by the AAPS has its limits, but provides interesting food for thought.

The Interstate Medical Licensure Compact could make it easier for physicians to engage in medicine freely across state borders.

The Anthem data breach illustrates the need for physicians to outline protocols in their practice to comply with new HIPAA reporting requirements.

Apologizing to a patient when an error occurs is critical to reducing malpractice risks, but it's very difficult to do the right way. Here are some tips.

Four key physician-patient communication problems increase the likelihood of a lawsuit. Here's what they are, and how to avoid them.

Providing excellent clinical care can reduce the likelihood of a lawsuit, but the clinical side is not the only area to focus on.

Understand the ins and outs of a HIPAA breach and, more importantly, avoid them with 12 strategies to enact at your practice.

A real-life example shows us that personal liability insurance and large umbrella policy are vital parts of a strong asset protection plan for physicians.

The recent Anthem record breach underscores a growing threat to all of us in the healthcare industry. But proper risk management can help you fight back.

A Texas case investigating physician investment in compounding pharmacies could have nationwide implications for any form of ancillary service.

Handling a confrontation with an angry patient is critical to malpractice risk management. Here are five tips handle difficult encounters appropriately.

CMS guidance on the 60-day rule can be confusing. Here are some answers to common questions physicians and managers have regarding compliance.

Getting your medical practice staff - and your patients - involved in the meaningful use process is important to successful attestation.

Outside of an Obamacare repeal, it is nearly certain that mandatory requirements of compliance programs are here to stay. Here's how to prepare.

With a proposed change to Stage 2 reporting of meaningful use, practices should stay on top of notices and important dates highlighted by CMS.

When it comes to asset protection many physicians mistakenly focus only on medical malpractice risk. Recent news reports illustrate other serious risks.

New data from Quest Diagnostics suggests while the rate of misuse of prescription drugs is high, there are strategies for physicians to use with patients.

They did what?! Eleven costly mistakes healthcare providers have made when dealing with confidential patient information.

When patients "check in" via social media, it may help cyber-thieves check out their personal information, something practices should be aware of.