Responding to a Medical Records Audit Program - October 2010 (HTML | PDF)
Health Information Technology (HIT) systems are designed to modernize the delivery of health care, improve quality and empower patients.  Hospitals, clinics, private practices and the federal government have embraced the new technology as a way to improve care quality. 

10 Tips on Choosing a Lawyer - November 2009 (HTML | PDF)
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), signed into law in February 2009, includes significant expansion of privacy and security requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1998 (HIPAA).   

New HIPAA Privacy and Security Requirements - October 2009 (HTML | PDF)
The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA), signed into law in February 2009, includes significant expansion of privacy and security requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1998 (HIPAA).

Medical Malpractice Insurance - Traps and Tips - September 2009 (HTML | PDF)
Health insurance coverage and its labyrinth is the subject of current political debate.  But what about the complexities of medical malpractice liability coverage for physicians?  The purpose of this article is to provide information for sorting through the maze of liability coverage.

Bankruptcy and a Physician's Practice  - June 2009 (HTML | PDF)
The health care industry has not escaped the financial crisis.  Hospitals are especially hit hard, with a number of closings or bankruptcies. 

Update on Peer Review - September 2008 (HTML | PDF)
You have had problems with managed care agreements before. For example, gag clauses were designed to prevent you from discussing all possible treatment options with patients.

Read Carefully Before Signing - June 2008 (HTML | PDF)
You have had problems with managed care agreements before. For example, gag clauses were designed to prevent you from discussing all possible treatment options with patients.

Five Easy Steps to Implementing Informed Consent - March 2008 (HTML | PDF)
Family physicians encounter informed consent issues in clinical and hospital settings.  Many physicians resolve the issues by having patients sign a blanket consent form upon introduction into the practice.

Damaging Internet Comments - December 2007 (HTML | PDF)
The media recently reported the story of a 13-year-old girl in Missouri who committed suicide after reading Internet messages disparaging her and suggesting the world would be better off without her. No criminal charges were filed, even after it was discovered that an ex-friend's mother wrote the messages, assuming an online alias in retaliation over her daughter's broken friendship..

Peeking at the Peer Review Privilege - September 2007 (HTML | PDF)
All family physicians participate in peer review, either in a hospital setting or through managed care.  Under California law, physicians who sit on peer review committees are generally shielded from liability by a number of statutes.

Covering Defense Costs in Non-Malpractice Claims - June 2007 (HTML | PDF)
Bored already? Admittedly, the topic is dry; however, you may be glad you read this if faced with a claim for wrongdoing, other than for malpractice.