Medical Malpractice Cases | Medicine on Trial
Common Incidents That Have Resulted in Medical Malpractice Cases
Medical malpractice cases experienced by others are cautionary tales for every physician. That’s why reading summaries of other physicians’ medical malpractice cases can be such a useful tool. Understanding the facts behind real litigated cases can help fill in unknown gaps in your risk management practices, leading to better outcomes and a lower level of risk in your practice. These cases highlight the policies, procedures, and routines you can follow to minimize risk in your own practice.
It’s also why the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) published Medicine on Trial: Risk Management Lessons from Litigated Cases.
Medicine on Trial features 64 real-life stories of physicians who faced adverse outcomes. Each medical malpractice case offers practical lessons that are invaluable for every physician. They cover areas like:
- Ensuring that communications between multiple treating physicians aren’t missed
- Honoring a patient’s confidential health information when dealing with his or her family
- Properly documenting discussions with patients
- Giving patients the information they need in order to give their informed consent
The cases in Medicine on Trial are taken from the real experiences of California physicians like you. These men and women experienced adverse outcomes in their practice, and had to deal with the fallout in courts and arbitration panels. Their stories help others avoid finding themselves in the same situation.
Noncompliant Patients Make Documentation Essential
When patients refuse to comply, make sure everything is documented.
- Make note of visits and recommended treatments
- Document any referrals
- Encourage patients to follow physician-recommended care
Know When Office Staff Need to Contact the Physician
It is important that staff and support team members have a complete understanding of office protocols and escalation procedures, and that physicians review them regularly.
- Reinforce procedures for after-hours patient care
- Note all status check-ups on charts
- Walk through protocols on a regular basis
Learn from the situations others have experienced - so you won’t find yourself there! Get your free copy of Medicine on Trial.
For nearly 40 years, the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) has been a leading provider of medical professional liability protection for California’s finest physicians.
We also offer supplemental insurance benefits, like disability and term life insurance and workers’ compensation. These are available for purchase through CAP Physicians Insurance Agency, a wholly owned subsidiary of CAP.
In addition to medical professional liability protection and supplemental insurance benefits, our members also have access to a number of no-cost benefits, including:
- CAP Cares, our early intervention program for adverse outcomes
- Risk Management Institute, a six-part online educational program for office staff
- EHR Consultative Services offered by specially trained consultants
CAP’s Practice Management Services Committee provides CAP members with business management tools and resources to successfully manage issues like new payment and reimbursement guidelines, ICD-10, HIPAA, their online reputation, and more. CAP’s comprehensive risk management services also help physicians and their staff to reduce risk in the practice.
To learn more about becoming a CAP member, click here.