Fund fees: Do you pay too much?
Loads and other fees do add up--and they smart the most when returns are low.
Index of articles Jan. - June 2003
Semi-annual index
Are you liable for a colleague's mistake?
"Vicarious liability" and "ostensible agency" sound like obscure legal theories, but they can land you in court. Here's how to protect yourself.
Investment Insider: Gary Shilling on the dangers of deflation
A long spell of declining prices could mean financial disaster--unless you're prepared, this noted economist says.
Losing Dad, gaining insight
Her father's death gave this young doctor a new perspective on treating her terminal patients.
Hire a pharmacist?
Having a clinical pharmacist on staff can enhance patient care, prevent medication errors, and make your workday more manageable.
Can "phase IV" trials work for you?
More physicians are signing up for these lucrative studies. Here are the benefits and pitfalls.
Alter records, lose the case
"Updating" your clinical records to bolster your malpractice defense is a sure way to lose the case, say attorneys.
Memo from the Editor : Your thoughts
Our new series, "What would you do?"
Financial Problem Solved! "I need to choose a pension plan"
Deciding between a 401(k), a defined benefit plan, or a 412(i) plan.
The HMO lawsuit: Is the end in sight?
This class-action lawsuit could force insurers to stop shortchanging physicians.
Retire early? These docs did--and came back
Four doctors who quit medicine tell us why they "unretired," and how they feel about being back in practice. Plus, some tips from the experts to help you handle your own transitions.
For us, workers' comp may not work
Badly injured on his way to work, this doctor learned that his employer's workers' comp plan wouldn't cover him.
Could a malpractice mega-verdict wipe you out?
In theory, yes. But in reality, doctors rarely lose their personal assets.
Why I left medicine, and why I came back
After five years as a stock broker, this doctor returned as a hospitalist.
When the snowbirds return
Coordinating their care is a challenge physicians must plan for.
When an insurer won't pay
You can help patients turn the odds in their favor when they appeal a treatment denial and get the treatment they need--and doing so doesn't have to take a lot of time.
How I got my wake-up call
When her father became ill, this young physician had to make some tough decisions about her own life.
Online UPDATES #36
Credentialing; fuel economy.
Have you been vaccinated?
The scourge of smallpox is again a threat, but the vaccination program planned to thwart it is controversial. What will you tell patients? What will you do yourself?
Overworked doctors sue for a breather
Two very busy physicians almost lost their hospital privileges because they wanted to restrict the scope of their practice.
Last Word: Experience or evidence?
Sometimes an experienced-based hunch may prove more useful than evidence-based guidelines.
Look behind a patient's words
When symptoms don't make sense or a story doesn't hang together, there's usually a deeper meaning.
Want more young patients?
Older teens and twenty-somethings can be challenging and appreciative patients, and can insure a healthy practice base for years to come.
Investment Derby: Can three pros pick winners?
Can anyone do well in the stock market today? These experts think they can.
Practice Management Q&As #71
Laws that govern phone communications; HIPAA rules and the small practice; Is this on-call policy a liability risk? Protocol for contacting patients at work; Vacation guidelines for your staff; Haul an insurer to court for libel? How to stay on top of your dictation; The pros and cons of weekend office hours; Remedies for handling errant faxes; Help for physicians working on a shoestring; When a doctor's spouse wants a job on staff; Don't play favorites with phone lines; Using customized records-release forms
Add services without big debt
Financing an X-ray machine or lab is easier than you think.
"My first inclination was to hit him in the mouth"
Honorable Mention 2002 Doctors' Writing Contest
UPDATE: Focus on finance #35
Bankruptcy soars; college costs; tax refunds