side note: This is a great article for physicians to read. The early reporting model espoused in the article is not dissimilar to what is commonly referred to as the “I’m Sorry” model where a physician makes a statement of empathy to the injured patient. These models are gaining endorsement because it has been statistically […]

Side Note: When a significant medical error occurs, it is very hard for a physician to know what to do. Depending on what state you live in, the ramifications of admitting a medical error can be vastly different. In some states, if a physician offers a patient an apology, it can be used as evidence […]

Side Note: Is there a conversation taking place about you that you don’t even know about? There may be. And, if that conversation is taking place online, there may be a lot of people involved in that conversation and an even larger (much larger) number of others witnessing it –and taking note. Oh, and did […]

Side Note: Don’t think you’re online? You may be surprised. In this era of the internet and social media, even the most non-technologically advanced physician may be surprised to learn that he or she (and his or her practice) is online –reviewed, for better or for worse, by patients. “Online reputation management” is becoming a […]

Side Note: Last week we talked about the uniqueness of the emergency room –specifically, how the acuteness of the patient’s situation, paired with the lack of a medical record, often produces a situation ripe with liability exposure and potential medical malpractice. Today, we face a similar situation –how pharmacists in New Hampshire are being allowed […]

Side Note: Medical malpractice mistakes can be devastating for patients and family members –as well as for the physicians who make those mistakes. And, we’re not just talking from a medical malpractice insurance perspective today –today we are talking about more than getting sued. While there are processes and protocol to help the unfortunate victims […]

Side Note: These days, a physician isn’t just someone who takes care of patients. He or she is also in the business of customer service, striving to make sure that each of his or her patients’ “experiences” are fulfilling and satisfying. For better or worse, this is true right down to online reviews by patients, […]

Side Note: Being a physician is getting more and more complicated thanks to technology –and, we’re not even talking about state-of-the-art medical advances or equipment. No, today we are talking about physicians being rated online and how they should respond to those ratings. In the era of online reviews for restaurants, plumbers, professors and products, […]

Side Note: Avoiding errors is one good way for physicians to try and avoid medical malpractice lawsuits. But, rather than keeping all of the responsibility on the physicians’ and staffs’ shoulders, how about asking patients to do their part? A new, Biometric palm-scanning technology is being rolled out at New York University’s Langone Medical Center. […]