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Ten Tips to Reduce Liability in the Office Setting
Communication Skills
- Careful listening to patients can lead to a more timely and accurate diagnosis and a
happier patient.
Systems
- A calendar log or suspense sheet can be created to ensure timely follow-up on receipt of test
results.
- After reading incoming reports from labs and consultants, initial and date prior to filing.
- Stamps work well for targeting action on "no-show" patients.
Documentation
- Too rushed to write clearly? Dictated notes are quick, legible and tend to be more complete.
- Avoid any appearance of an altered record. Never scratch out, erase or obliterate with write-overs
or "white out."
- A complete, comprehensive progress note (SOAP) can improve defensibility.
- Use preprinted forms to document after hours phone messages
and preserve them in the patient's record.
Informed Consent
- Use a consent form to document informed consent discussions. Never imply or guarantee that your
treatment will be complication-free.
Managed Care Environment
- Understand your role as the patient advocate.
Call MICA Risk Management for personalized assistance for your practice setting.
Risk Management Services Available
- Office In-Service
- Specialty Presentations
- Telephone "Hot Line"
- Specific Issue Consultations
- Publications
- CME Credits
- Informational Mailings
- Retention of Patient Records
- Consent for Minors
- Withdrawal from Care
- Consent Forms
- Release of Records (Subpoenas)
- AIDS Protocols / Consents
- Closing a Practice
- Physician Self Audit
- Forms That Function
- Research Analysis
- Risk Management Handbook
- Obstetrical Record Keeping System
- Hold Harmless Monograph
- "After Hour" Phone Message Pads
These services are provided to MICA Insureds at no cost . Risk Management
consulting services can also be arranged for non-members. To contact MICA please call
602-956-5276 or 1-800-352-0402.
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