Risk Management Publications

CAP publishes a series of newsletters and digests to provide risk management and practice management expertise, addressing the topics you need to know about now.

Till Death Do Us Part: Dos and Don’ts of Signing the Certificate

One of the most important methods of mortality surveillance is through monitoring causes of death as reported on death certificates. Death certificates are registered for every death occurring in the United States, which helps provide a complete picture of mortality trends and data nationwide.

The White Elephant in the Room

A 45-year-old female, “Ms. Patient,” with a history of diabetic neuropathy, hypertension, hyperglycemia, and high BMI was seen in a medical office for complaints of left shoulder pain that occurred after heavy lifting. On presentation to the clinic, Ms. Patient’s heart rate was 128/minute.

A Harsh Proposal to Medicare Reimbursement: Take Action Now

On July 7, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its more than 2,000-page Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and Quality Payment (QPP) proposed rule for Calendar Year 2023.

The Truth Behind AB 35 and Its Impact on California Physicians

CAP members are invited to participate in our 4th Annual Public Affairs Symposium where a panel of legislative experts and policy analysts will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how AB 35 materialized, explore what the legislation means for your medical professional liability risk, and discuss what you can do to protect your practice.

Stay On Top of Practice Management Best Practices

Many independent practitioners are so immersed in the day-to-day operations of keeping their practices afloat and providing the highest level of care, finding the time to stay up to date with the ever-changing healthcare landscape is difficult.

Update Your Membership Information to Help with Your Year-End Planning

If you are contemplating a change in your practice, please notify CAP as soon as possible so our Membership Services Department can review your options with you and make your coverage transition a smooth one. Changes include, but are not limited to: Retirement from practice at age 55+, part-time practice (e.g., 20 or fewer hours per week or 16 hours for anesthesiologists), or reduction or any change in the scope of your practice.

Employee Health Insurance Benefits Available for CAP Member Practices

As healthcare costs continue to rise, the licensed insurance professionals with CAP Physicians Insurance Agency (CAP Agency) recognize that CAP members need flexible options when selecting the right health insurance plans for their practices

Important Announcement: 2023 Transition to Paperless Billing

Starting January 2023, CAP members who receive their printed monthly statements via postal mail will be automatically enrolled in paperless billing to help reduce costs, and use of paper, on behalf of the entire membership.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Practice Could Save You Thousands

Water damage can cause significant destruction to your medical equipment and office property, impacting your business income should you be forced to close your practice for repairs. If you purchase or have a business owner’s policy through CAP Agency, you can access the popular Smart Sensor Program provided by Hartford Steam Boiler (HSB) and The Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. at no cost.

August, 2022

Download PDF

July, 2022

Download PDF

June, 2022

Download PDF

Risk E-Notes

Select a marketplace category

CAP COVID-19 Resource Center

CAP is committed to helping our member physicians meet the challenges that arise during the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, CAP has launched our COVID-19 resource page, which will continually be revised with key guidance and current best practices. Among the useful resources the site currently offers are printable office signage templates, healthcare provider resources, and extensive guidance to implementing telemedicine in your practice.

Educating Your Patients on Disposing of Unwanted Medications

Most physicians would likely not be surprised that many American homes have an accumulation of unused, unwanted, or expired medications. But did you ever consider the potential safety hazards these surplus medications present?

Discontinuing the Patient-Physician Relationship

CAP's Hotline receives frequent calls requesting guidelines on discontinuing/terminating this patient-physician relationship, not because of wellness, but because the physician no longer desires to have the patient in his practice. From these calls, we have learned of "misunderstandings," which this article intends to clarify.

Who Must Sign a Death Certificate?

CAP member physicians frequently call our hotline with questions about completing a patient’s death certificate. Sometimes, they are reluctant to sign the legal document since they were not in attendance at the time of death. Other times, they inquire if their nurse practitioner or physician assistant can sign the death certificate for them.

Documenting Telephone Calls with Patients

How does your office handle telephone messages from patients?

Short answer: It should be like a well-oiled machine.

This article will assist physicians and their office managers to:

The Latest Strategies for Treating and Protecting Against Coronavirus

As new information emerges daily around the Coronavirus and as the search for answers continue, the risk management and patient safety experts with the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) would like to ensure that physicians and medical communities across California have access to the most reliable resources to remain aware of the latest strategies in treatment, protection, and prevention.

The Coronavirus Threat Lurking Beyond the Clinic

Outside of websites, texts, and social media posts advertising fake products, cures, and false information, physicians and their staff should be aware of phishing emails circulating throughout the healthcare industry, among others. CAPAdvantage program member, Acentec, has recently distributed an alert to warn the medical community of scammers who are trying to capitalize on fears surrounding the virus and its potential spread.

New Evidence About Severe Pulmonary Disease Linked to Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems (ENDS)

Electronic Nicotine Delivery systems (ENDS) are the newest emerging technology in the epidemic of novel tobacco products that has been spilling out of start-up companies for the last 13 years. So physicians wonder, “How should I respond when my patients seek advice about using these electronic devices?”

How to Respond to Patient Grievance Letters

What should you do when your office receives a grievance letter from a health plan and a written response is requested?

Patient Record Requests: What Is Proper Release Protocol?

Medical practices frequently receive medical record release requests from multiple sources, including subpoenas, attorney letters, and patients themselves. Learn the answers to several frequently asked questions by patients.

Patient Safety Advocate

Patient Safety Advocate is a free bi-monthly newsletter created by CAP's risk management and patient safety experts, specifically for the independent medical practice. Physicians, practice administrators, and office staff can use this valuable resource to strengthen the fundamentals of patient safety, while establishing a culture geared towards providing positive patient experiences.

Enter your email address below and subscribe today!

Apply now! Enjoy the benefits of CAP protection.

Apply for Coverage

Search form