Medicine and the Law

A difficult case: A noncompliant patient with a battery of symptoms

Ann W. Latner, JD June 16, 2010

When a middle-aged woman presents with joint pain, a rheumatologist encounters a series of challenges that land him in court.
 

Doctor, can I just go on vacation first?

Ann W. Latner, JD May 04, 2010

A GP finds himself the defendant in wrongful death suit, when he allows the patient to delay a follow-up visit.
 

Melanoma: Errors lead to missed diagnosed

By Ann W. Latner, JD November 18, 2009

After referring his patient to a dermatologist to have a mole looked at, the clinician considered the case resolved. Not so fast.
 

Malpractice lawsuits drop with apologies and honesty

Ann W. Latner, JD November 13, 2009

Honesty really is the best policy, especially when it comes to taking responsibility and avoiding lawsuits.
 

A malpractice suit arises from the football field

David S. Starr, MD, JD September 17, 2009

A gridiron pro sues his team's doctor and physician assistant after repeat concussions sideline his promising career.
 

Malpractice: Will the economy trigger suits?

By Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C September 17, 2009

What are your legal obligations to a patient who cannot afford office visits and insists on refilling a prescription without appropriate follow-up?
 

Successful negotiation in four easy steps

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C August 19, 2009

Negotiation is an acquired skill that you can practice and enhance. To get the most out of your next trip to the bargaining table, follow these four basic principles.
 

Malpractice: Are you really protected?

By Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C July 13, 2009

Although providers may strive to practice good medicine, uphold their personal limits, and offer the highest standard of care, many of will still be named in a malpractice suit.
 

Malpractice policy pitfalls

Abby Jacobson, MS, PA-C June 09, 2009

Does your current liability coverage make you vulnerable to a claim filed by a patient you treated years ago? The answer depends on what type of policy you have.
 

Nosy nurse runs afoul of HIPAA regulations

By Ann W. Latner, JD February 04, 2009

Breaching the privacy of a patient's records could send her to jail and jeopardize the entire clinic.
 

Government Watch

U.S. Preventive Services Task Force gives older men a new recommendation

New recommendation from the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force advises against prostate cancer screening for men aged 75 years and older
 

The federal Clean Air Act outlaws CFC inhalers

Time is running out for patients who use albuterol inhalers to replace those propelled by chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs)
 

New warfarin info for patients

New warfarin info for patients from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
 

ACCORD data confirmed

Investigators in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) trial published official results confirming earlier findings (N Engl J Med. 2008;358:2545-2559)
 

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