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.
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.
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
Don't quit your day job
A kidney stone reminded this FP of his important work in clinical medicine.
Memo from the Editor: Error-proofing
Error-proofing
Why I wouldn't give in to Rachel
Fighting for quality medicine has its costs, as this physician learned the hard way.
UPDATE: Focus on practice #36
Medicare fees; malpractice; Rx ads.
Did my patient give me AIDS?
A scary incident afforded the author valuable lessons in patience and compassion.
Last Word
Teenage abortion: Parents need to know
Shedding light on the "dark side"
When this physician became an HMO administrator, other doctors treated him as if he were Darth Vader. But it's not all bad, he reports.
What do we steal?
Grand Prize: 2002 Doctors' Writing Contest
Malpractice: Healthy baby--hefty award?
If a current trend continues, doctors could be forced to pay the cost of raising a healthy child whose conception they failed to prevent.
Malpractice Consult: If on-call physicians are always late
Who's liable if a patient suffers as a result?
Memo from the Editor: Write on!
Winners of our 2002 Doctors' Writing Contest
Alternative medicine ain't disco
What nostrums are your patients taking? If you don't know, you won't be able to help them.
My longest year
Young Doctor Award: 2002 Doctors' Writing Contest
