CASE STUDY: Physician's Tweets Prove Costly

A state medical board received a complaint that an internal medicine physician in a small town was tweeting about specific patients without their knowledge or consent over a 12-month period. The medical board initiated an investigation into whether the physician's actions constituted (a) a breach of doctor–patient confidentiality (b) a violation of laws connected with practice, and/or (c) unprofessional conduct.

CASE STUDY: Online Dispute Becomes Problematic for General Dentist

Dr. Miller, a general dentist, treated a male patient in his fifties for various dental issues. Although the treatments were successful, the patient was unhappy with Dr. Miller's office staff and the amount for which he was billed. The patient joined an online forum and began posting negative comments about Dr. Miller's billing policies, office staff, and efficacy of care.

Social Media Might Be Informal, but Your Healthcare Practice's Policies Shouldn't Be

Without doubt, the ease, flexibility, and convenience of social media offer various opportunities to enhance the dissemination of health information and communication between patients and healthcare providers.

However, like any type of technology, social media can create safety and risk issues if it is not used responsibly. Additionally, because social media changes rapidly, standards and best practices are not always well-defined.

CASE STUDY: Patient Authorizes Posting of Photo on Facebook, but Has Second Thoughts

Dr. Andrews, a board-certified plastic surgeon, performed a successful breast augmentation on a patient in her mid-thirties. Approximately 5 months after the procedure, the patient sent an email message to Dr. Andrews' practice expressing that she was extremely pleased with the results of the augmentation. In the message, she attached a picture of herself that highlighted the results of the surgery.

Environmental Emergency Risk Assessment for Healthcare Practices

History has shown that natural disasters and other environmental crises can occur with limited warning and may necessitate a rapid emergency response. In the United States alone, 79 disasters were declared in 2015.

Although information about emergency preparedness and response in healthcare often focuses on hospitals, the ability to respond quickly and efficiently also is vital for healthcare practices.

Essential Risk Management Strategies in General Surgery

• Ensure that general surgeons' privileges are based on training, credentials, and competency.
• Enhance technical surgical skills through ongoing performance improvement efforts, such as mentoring, proctoring, and continuing education.

Patient Confidentiality as a Key Component of Corporate Compliance

Healthcare providers and staff have an ethical and legal responsibility to protect patient confidentiality by preventing unauthorized disclosure of patient-identifiable health information.

Record Retention Basics for Healthcare Practices

Healthcare practices generate and maintain many different types of records, including patient health records and business records. These records help practices maintain critical information and deliver quality services and care.