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.

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.

CASE STUDY: Lapses in Clinical Judgment Lead to Poor Patient Outcome and Malpractice Suit

A patient who had undergone radiation therapy for cancer of the soft palate presented to his general dentist for routine care. Because of severe xerostomia, the dentist and patient were unable to control the patient's caries.

CASE STUDY: Inadequate Communication Between Provider and Patient Leads to Misdiagnosis

A doctor on call for his group practice received an after-hours call from a male patient in his sixties. The patient was complaining of weakness and reported that he had started a new blood pressure pill (hydrochlorothiazide) 3 days earlier. He also reported taking lisinopril daily for more than a year.