Healthcare Risk Management – March 1, 2009
March 1, 2009
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Downturn in economy may bring more challenges for risk managers
The current recession is hitting every sector of the economy, and health care is no exception. In addition to the financial woes that are affecting many companies, health care providers are facing a second threat the increased risks and liabilities that stem from the way people respond to their own money problems. Health care risk managers should be on the lookout for those recession-related risks and do what they can to minimize the damage. -
Recession effects may be delayed, but still inevitable
Don't believe anyone who tells you the health care industry is "recession-proof," says Thomas E. Getzen, PhD, professor of risk, insurance, and health management at the Fox School of Business at Temple University in Philadelphia. Getzen also is executive director of the International Health Economics Association. -
Patient compliance, test results are problematic
The struggling economy makes William J. Spratt, JD, a health care attorney with K&L Gates in Miami, worry about the effect on health care providers. -
Training, high standards can reduce copter risks
This is the second of a two-part series about the hidden risks and liabilities of medical helicopters. In last month's Healthcare Risk Management, we explored the risks and reviewed recent crashes. This month, we compile advice on lowering those risks and take a closer look at one hospital that has revamped its medical helicopter system after experiencing two crashes. -
Wake Forest revamps after two copter crashes
The air ambulance program at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC, goes beyond the minimum requirements in an effort to make its medical helicopters as safe as they can be. -
Kickback case holds lessons for risk managers
The recent high-profile conviction of a hospital CEO involved in kickbacks and providing unnecessary care to homeless patients shows that risk managers always must be on alert for illegal activities that may be hidden behind the doors of an executive suite. -
Settlements affect care for homeless, uninsured
Two recent settlements could have an impact on how health providers do business. In the first case, two Illinois hospital systems have agreed to settle lawsuits alleging that they overcharged thousands of uninsured patients and provided inadequate financial assistance. -
Joint Commission report shows gains in safety
Like most risk managers, you've probably been pushing extra hard to improve safety over the last few years, and The Joint Commission says all the hard work is paying off. -
Legal Review & Commentary: Failure to administer calcium after thyroidectomy: $4.7 million settlement
News: Following an elective thyroidectomy, a woman was diagnosed with hypocalcemia. Although calcium was ordered, it was never administered to the woman, despite persistent symptoms of the calcium deficiency. The woman eventually went into cardiac arrest and sustained anoxic encephalopathy, becoming comatose. -
Legal Review & Commentary: Torn tendon results in $1.2 million settlement
News: A man sustained lacerations to his right index finger and middle finger and was immediately taken to the emergency department (ED) of a local hospital, where a physician's assistant sutured the wound. The man returned to the hospital on three occasions, where hospital officials noted decreased extension in the man's long finger of his right hand.