05/07/2020    

PRACTICE MANAGEMENT TIP OF THE DAY

Avoiding Malpractice Claims During the Pandemic - Part 2

 

The COVID-19 pandemic has totally upended the practice of medicine. Physicians are having to learn how to manage patients via telemedicine, how to deal with a totally new infection, and how to keep a practice afloat during a time of shuttered waiting rooms and social distancing. Many of these new routines—from telemedicine to navigating decisions relating to COVID-19 itself—pose a variety of potential pitfalls. One particular concern is a possible increase in malpractice claims. Andrew Hajde, CMPE, assistant director of association content with the Medical Group Management Association (MGMA), points out risks of telemedicine in this particular crisis. “There are two main ways malpractice can occur,” he says, “misdiagnosis and failure to treat."

 

The best way to protect yourself from malpractice claims during this pandemic is the same way you protect yourself during normal times. Make sure you’re there for your patients, one way or another. If you can’t see them in person, make sure you have a reliable way to do televisits. Follow the CDC protocol for COVID-19, and check regularly for updates. This virus is a fast-moving target and the guidelines are changing quickly. And beware of treatments not authorized by the FDA. 

 

Source: Avery Hurt, Physicians Practice [4/30/20]