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.

Cooperative of American Physicians Announces Retirement of General Counsel Gordon T. Ownby; CAP Associate General Counsel Douglas Shin Named Successor

After 34 years of service to CAP members — 29 as CAP’s general counsel — Gordon Ownby will retire at the end of November. Among his many accomplishments, Mr. Ownby created “Case of the Month,” the most popular column in the monthly member newsletter and the basis for two popular books.

Don’t Be Misled by Different Test Report Formats

Faxed reports, portals, electronically transmitted reports — physicians have had to adapt to a number of different formats in which they receive their reports. The various formats used in modern reports, plus the longstanding scourge of confirmation bias, make paying close attention to all such communications vital to patient safety.

Lower Your Risk of Medical Malpractice Litigation! Adverse Event Management Support Available Exclusively for CAP Members

Through CAP Cares, CAP members can receive confidential and objective support after an adverse patient event occurs, with guidance at every stage of the process — all as a free benefit of your CAP membership.

Mitigation Strategies to Reduce the Occurrence of Telehealth-Related Adverse Events

Almost two years into the pandemic, the widespread use of telehealth technologies does not appear to be going away any time soon, if at all. The COVID-19 crisis has accelerated the use of telehealth offering technology-enabled health and care management and delivery systems that extend capacity and access.

Lower Your Risk of a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit - Request Your Free Virtual Practice Visit

CAP member practices can take advantage of a free virtual practice visit to help you evaluate your existing office protocols, recommend operational enhancements, and avoid common scenarios that can put you at risk of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

Who Draws the Lines; Who Tells the Story?

California is only one of seven states in the country whose voting district lines are drawn by an independent citizens commission. For the rest of the union, state Legislatures and governors draw the lines following completion of the U.S. Census. Lines drawn by such elected officials, of course, are prone to more acutely reflect the party in power.

Preventing Water Damage in Your Property with Smart Sensor Technology Could Save You Thousands

Did you know that water damage is the most common cause of property damage to businesses? As a business owner and physician, there are a variety of risks in your practice you must worry about every day. Water damage shouldn’t be one of them.

Ask My Practice: Critical Steps to Take Ahead of Your Practice Relocation

Moving your practice can be a daunting task, but there are several scenarios when relocating may be a good idea. Lease negotiations gone awry, changing patient demographics in the area, health plan/hospital acquisitions of real estate, and expansion of the practice may have you contemplating a potential office relocation.

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.

November, 2021

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October, 2021

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September, 2021

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Risk E-Notes

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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.

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.

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