Risk Management Publications

"Counts Are Correct": Retained Foreign Objects

You’ve heard of cases where scissors, retractors, forceps, sponges, and other items get left behind in patients during surgery. Considering the risk of “fuzzy math," we’ve picked up on a few things we thought would be good for all surgeons to know.

Informed Consent Is No Shield to Negligent Surgical Advice

A new case from the Court of Appeal delves deeply into California law governing informed consent and negligent medical advice, starting with the threshold issue of whether a surgeon’s full discussion on a particular procedure will shield the physician from liability if he or she was negligent in recommending the surgery in the first place.

All Eyes Now on the American Rescue Plan

A week before the Presidential Inauguration, then President-elect Biden’s team released the incoming administration’s $1.9 trillion emergency relief plan designed to continue to guide the country through the ongoing medical and economic challenges of the global pandemic.

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.

Protect Your Hard-Earned Assets with Affordable Umbrella Insurance

Unfortunate events like a car accident, a nasty fall down the stairs, or a dog bite can trigger lawsuits that may result in costly damages and injuries that exceed the liability amounts in your current insurance policies. CAP Agency offers important group personal umbrella insurance, also known as Group Personal Excess Liability (GPEL) coverage, at competitive rates through an A+ rated carrier, Chubb Insurance.

March, 2021

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February, 2021

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January, 2021

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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?

How Long Do I Have to Keep My Patient’s Medical Records?

Here is the question asked most often on our risk management hotline: How long should our office retain patient medical records and billing information?

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