Risk Management Publications

So, You’ve Been Asked to be a Medical Director?

When calling CAP’s Hotline, a question some physicians ask is, “Will I have additional liability if I accept a position as a medical director?” The short answer is "yes." Here are several examples.

Office Protocols Can Fail — So Training Must Be Constant

An omission in medical treatment is nearly impossible to defend when there is a written protocol specifically addressing the failed act. That is why an open dialogue between physician and staff on office policies and procedures is necessary to avoid patient injuries.

When a State Concern Becomes the Law of the Land

From time to time in political and policy discussions, the phrase comes up, "As goes California, so goes the nation.” We can now say that with what is called “surprise medical billing.”

CAP members can now sign up for paperless billing and enjoy the ease and convenience of managing their account online. Save time and money by easily opting in to receive statements via email, pay your bill online, and eliminate the need for another piece of mail.

Growing Cyber Threat to Medical Practices

Medical practices are increasingly coming under attack by cyber criminals. This makes it all the more important that physicians take steps to improve their security efforts.

February, 2021

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January, 2021

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December, 2020

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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.

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