Laura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Allegations associated with diagnostic errors — i.e., wrong diagnoses, delayed diagnoses, and missed diagnoses — are a top cause of malpractice lawsuits. Various risk factors can lead to diagnostic errors, including issues related to documentation of clinical care.
Read moreJeanne E. Mapes, JD, CPCU, CPHRM
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.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Technology has created opportunities for physicians, dentists, and other healthcare practitioners to extend the reach of their professional practice beyond the physical limitations of their practice settings. Through the use of telehealth technologies, providers can evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients in other localities, which can increase access to, convenience of, and choices in care.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Credentialing and privileging — the processes by which a healthcare organization assesses and confirms the qualifications of a healthcare provider and authorizes the provision of specific services — play an important role in patient safety and high-quality care. These processes are essential for traditional, in-person care and care delivered via telehealth.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Technological advancements in healthcare have helped improve access to, options for, and convenience of care — and telehealth has become an increasingly popular and viable choice for patients. Yet, even with these advancements, certain aspects of traditional medical care remain vital, including informed consent.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
An important aspect in the provision of care via telehealth is abiding by appropriate standards of care and scopes of practice, which are defined by federal and state laws, professional boards, accrediting agencies, specialty associations, payers, and so forth. Prescribing medications to patients as part of telehealth services — online prescribing — falls into the parameters of “standards and scope,” and healthcare providers must take precautions to ensure they are prescribing within legal and professional boundaries.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
The rapid expansion of technology in healthcare has significant implications for privacy and security of patients’ protected health information (PHI). Confidential or sensitive information that is stored or sent electronically creates a host of security issues that healthcare organizations must consider. For example, mobile devices can be easily lost or stolen, unintentional data breaches can occur, and cyberattacks can cripple information technology systems.
Read moreLaura M. Cascella, MA, CPHRM
Staffing shortages are a significant challenge in healthcare and represent a preeminent concern for organizations of all types and sizes. Lack of qualified staff to fulfill clinical and support roles can erode the quality of care, threaten patient safety, and lead to liability exposure.
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