Legal

Malpractice Consult

New research shows that the courts get it right most of the time. But the monetary and other costs are still out of sight.

Malpractice Consult

Malpractice Consult

Perspective

In the absence of countervailing action from an election-crazed Congress, the new federal rules allowing hospitals to help physicians acquire health IT went into effect Oct. 10. Under the new exception to the Stark self-referral law and a new safe harbor to the Anti-Kickback Law, hospitals and group practices can donate up to 85 percent of the value of EHRs, e-prescribing systems, and technical support to physicians under certain conditions (Medical Economics, "Feds to hospitals: It's OK to help docs get IT," Aug. 18, 2006).

This doctor survived a malpractice case and a bitter bankruptcy that threatened to shut down his practice.

A high-quality tracking system can help you provide better patient care and keep you out of the courtroom.

The author has treated more than his share of these challenging individuals. Here are some valuable tips he's learned that will make your job easier.

When you convey life-changing information to patients, what you say and how you say it is all-important.

Computerized history-taking gives you more details--with less work for you and your staff.

Most physicians work hard, but do you work compulsively? If so, here's what to do about it.

Your colleagues share their secrets for defusing hostility, coaxing compliance, and allaying anxiety.

Two top malpractice attorneys explain why some physicians are more likely to get sued. Basically, its a business decision, but some personal factors--like a doctors arrogance or poor bedside manner--can also weigh heavily.

As a resident, the author discovered that clinical skills aren't all there is to medicine.