Risk Strategies for Managing Parents of Pediatric Patients Who Refuse or Delay Vaccines

When these situations occur, the following guidance can help pediatric providers promote ongoing communication and collaboration with parents and reduce potential liability risks.

The Complex Role of Clinical Judgment in Diagnostic Errors

Errors in diagnosis represent a serious threat to patient safety as well as a significant medical liability concern. MedPro Group closed malpractice claims data show that diagnosis-related allegations occur across all specialties and healthcare locations. Analysis of the risk factors that contribute to these allegations shows that clinical judgment is, by far, the most prevalent.¹

Tips and Strategies for De-Escalating Aggressive, Hostile, or Violent Patients

Managing patient complaints and dissastisfaction is an unpleasant but certain reality in healthcare. Despite best efforts, situations occur in which patients are unhappy and feel compelled to voice their displeasure and concerns. Unfortunately, in some cases, patients' emotions might escalate, and they may become aggressive, hostile, or violent.

CASE STUDY: Electrolysis Treatment Removes Unwanted Hair but Causes Another Unsightly Outcome

The patient, a female in her mid-thirties, presented to a dermatology practice for consultation regarding hair removal on both sides of her chin. The patient met with an esthetician employed by the practice, who requested that the patient fill out a skin care questionnaire. The patient complied, and described her skin's complexion as olive and noted that she rarely burns.

CASE STUDY: Negligent Credentialing and Inadequate Emergency Response at Ambulatory Surgery Center Lead to Malpractice Lawsuit Following Patient Death

Claims involving improper credentialing often coincide with allegations of improper and inadequate training. This case examines a failed resuscitation effort at an ambulatory surgery center (ASC) in which credentialing issues, deficient emergency response procedures, and lack of staff training all contributed to a tragic outcome.

Risk Considerations for Using Surveillance Cameras in Healthcare Practices

Some providers are installing surveillance cameras in their healthcare practices. They may choose to do so because they want to protect and secure the equipment, records, and medications in their offices; their employees; and their patients. Some wish to prevent access into their practices by unauthorized individuals that may result in theft, violence, or patient record violations. Others want to prevent any physical or verbal abuse that may occur. And some appreciate being able to monitor their practices remotely.

These providers should carefully consider the purpose for installing surveillance cameras to balance their security concerns with their obligation to safeguard their patients' protected health information (PHI) and comply with HIPAA privacy and security requirements.

The Challenge of Nonadherent Patients: What's a Provider to Do?

Healthcare providers have the right to choose which patients they want to treat, and they also have the right to terminate relationships with patients for various reasons. Patients who are nonadherent with their treatment regimens or follow-up care recommendations can be particularly frustrating, and they also might be more likely to have suboptimal outcomes as a result of their behavior. For these reasons, healthcare providers might feel that terminating the provider–patient relationship is the best solution.

Screening New Patients for Potentially Problematic Behavior

Managing patients who have difficult behaviors or who are nonadherent with their care plans is a persistent issue that healthcare providers face. If a patient who has these issues is already under your care,