Law & Malpractice

American healthcare is riddled with too many government and private-payer bureaucrats standing between physicians and their patients. And it’s saddled with perverse incentives that bloat administrative costs pointlessly. Find out what Tom Coburn, an OB/GYN doc and conservative Republican U.S. senator from Oklahoma, thinks the answer is.

Paying too much for liability insurance? Join the club. While premiums have stabilized in most areas, and are starting to decline in some, rates are still staggeringly high. But there are things you can do to lower your premiums right now. Here’s our guide for getting the best deal out there.

You already know why some patients want to sue: because they suspect, fairly or not, that you made a mistake - and that you don’t really care about them. But what do plaintiffs’ lawyers look for to determine if a case is worth bankrolling? We got ’em to spill their secrets.

So you’re being audited by Medicare or a large private payer. Now what? First, don’t panic. Second, check out our pointers on how to limit the damage. Plus: Advice for avoiding the dreaded audit in the first place.

OK, so you’ve made a medical mistake. You know it. And the patient knows it. It happens. In polite society, the proper thing to do is to apologize. But are you opening yourself to a slam-dunk lawsuit if you say you’re sorry?

Robert Blanco, MD, wants to lower his risk of being sued, but isn’t sure how. Expert Laurie Hyland Robertson has a few ideas.

If you think medical malpractice, Medicare fraud, and HIPAA noncompliance are the only legal pitfalls you have to worry about, think again.

Ophthalmologist Anthony P. Johnson on how to fix Medicare for good.

Ever wish you had a can of lawsuit repellant? Well, now you do. Follow our easier-than-you-think advice to reduce your chances of ever being sued for malpractice.

Another health plan grows; physicians’ leverage shrinks

What happens when payers alter their rules mid-contract? You get shafted, that’s what.

You didn’t cause America’s poverty problem. So why are you being asked to fix it?

The federal government is changing its interpretation of the Stark law that has long prevented hospitals from helping practices access electronic health records. Our expert explains how it will affect you.

Texas physicians worked hard to improve the state’s practice climate. Will you follow their example?

It may be unfair, but the authorities are investigating well-meaning physicians in scary numbers. Their crime? Trying to manage patients’ pain with controlled medications. Here’s how to do right by your patients while protecting yourself.

In search of a long-term solution to Medicare's troubles.

Is America really facing a physician shortage?

U.S. Senator Tom Coburn, an OB/GYN, takes on the Senate leadership.

Yes, you can survive a Medicare audit, as long as you know what to do. Here's how to get through it - and better yet, avoid it altogether.

Whatever your view of physician-assisted suicide, all doctors should be grateful for the Supreme Court's ruling that regulating medical practice should remain in the business of the states.

You bet they can. Even when you're doing everything right, patient safety and satisfaction can be compromised by inefficient administrative procedures at your practice. Here's what to look for - and how to fix any problems.

Could employer-subsidized health care be nearing its end? Maybe. Here's why that would be a good thing.

Healthcare is in crisis. Americans are in denial. And politicians are running scared. This must be a job for ... an independent commission.

Legal experts now recommend a "full disclosure" approach to talking with patients about unintended outcomes. Some even contend it lowers your risk for lawsuits. Here's how to do it right.

Ordering too many tests? Avoiding problem patients? Here's how to find the right balance in these litigation-happy times.

Will Medicare payments to physicians be Hurricane Katrina's next victim?

The new Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention Act means Chapter 7 filling is out for higher income earners like physicians, as is home equity as a major form of protection.  Here's what it means to you.

Disciplinary actions against physicians are up. Avoiding one is pretty straightforward, but it's still wise to have a plan for dealing with a complaint - and salvaging your career.

A proposed hiatus on direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising promises to put prescribing control back in your hands - for now.

Steve Rebagliati, MD, on dealing with the high cost of HIPAA.