Risk & Quality Management
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Court Vacates $911,000 Malpractice Verdict on Expert Testimony Rule
This case provides another example of how trial strategy and preparation is essential to the positive outcome of a case, with particular focus on the selection and retention of expert witnesses. Expert witnesses often can make or break a case, and that is true for either party in a medical malpractice action.
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Online Ratings Pose Risk of Defamation, May Need Response
The risk of defamation increases with the proliferation of online rating services in the medical industry, experts say.
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What to Do When Malpractice Allegations Become Defamation
Medical malpractice litigation can get ugly, with passionate plaintiffs and indignant clinicians or hospital administrators firing off heated accusations and insults. But where is the line where a malpractice allegation becomes defamation? What can be done when that happens?
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Summary of HHS Guidance on Provider Relief Fund Compliance
The reporting requirements for the Provider Relief Fund should not be a surprise to healthcare organizations. “Free” money usually comes with a lot of strings attached.
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Recommended Elements of a Compliance Program
Provider Relief Fund compliance will require an extensive and far-reaching program, experts note.
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Provider Relief Funds Require Strict Compliance Program
Risk managers and compliance officers should act now to ensure compliance programs are consistent with the latest guidelines from the Department of Health and Human Services.
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Hospital Reduces High Cesarean Delivery Rate to Below Average
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine both recognize cesarean deliveries can save lives, but they advise vaginal deliveries for most pregnancies because the risk is lower than that of cesarean deliveries. The cesarean delivery rate is considered a key indicator of quality and patient safety. Leapfrog reported the average cesarean rate nationwide in 2018 was 26.1%, although the organization set a target of 23.9%.
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Court Rules Defendants Must Face Malpractice Suit After Botched Delivery, Death of Twin
As with many medical malpractice cases, the primary issues in this case revolve around expert witnesses, who are almost always necessary and who can make or break a malpractice defense.
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Appeals Court Affirms $9.2 Million Noneconomic Damages Award in Medical Battery Case
The most important lesson for physicians and care providers from this case is to always receive fully informed consent for the actual procedure performed. Receiving consent beforehand is a prerequisite, but if the circumstances change, or if a modification to the procedure appears appropriate, seek and receive consent again.
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Malpractice Risks of Telehealth Still Being Determined
Risk managers should be wary of the malpractice risks associated with telehealth, according to several experts who say the sudden increase in usage may have introduced insufficiencies that should be assessed now.