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.

Passing the Torch: CAP Celebrates Long-Time COO’s Success as Retirement is Announced; Promotes Hammon Acuna and Alyson Lewis to Serve in Key Executive Leadership Roles

As one era in exceptional leadership ends, a new one begins. CAP is pleased to welcome Hammon Acuna as CAP’s new Chief Operating Officer and Alyson Lewis, JD, CPCU, as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Cooperative of American Physicians Insurance Company, Inc. (CAPIC), a Hawaii-domiciled subsidiary of CAP that is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

MD’s Dispute Over Prescriptions Must Go to Pharmacy Board First

Kenneth S. Bradley, MD, treats patients with chronic pain from conditions such as cancer, surgeries, and degenerative disk disease and has referral relationships with about 30 HMOs in the Los Angeles area. Most of his patients receive medical insurance through Medicare or Medi-Cal, according to the facts set out in the recent appellate opinion, Bradley v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc.

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.

Informed Consent Best Practices – How to Minimize Risk

When we hear the term "informed consent," we often automatically think of an informed consent form; however, that is but one element of the informed consent process.

California’s Budget – When There’s Too Much of a Good Thing

The state’s budget for fiscal year 2021-2022, which began on July 1, amounts to $262.6 billion. Unprecedented by a $76 billion state surplus and $27 billion in federal aid, the record-busting budget reflects new agreements between state legislators and Governor Newsom.

Join Us for CAP's 3rd Annual Public Affairs Symposium

We invite you to join our panel of policy and political experts during CAP's 3rd Annual Public Affairs Symposium to discuss today’s most pressing healthcare issues being debated in Sacramento and Washington, D.C. The panel will be held virtually to encourage attendance from members across the state. Register Today.

Ask My Practice: Keeping Your Medical Practice Compliant with Cal/OSHA Regulations

In today’s environment, it is increasingly difficult to know what guidelines to follow to ensure your practice is compliant with Cal/OSHA regulations and safety standards, especially as the pandemic continues to evolve.

Ransomware Criminals Now Using Triple Extortion Tactics

Cyber extortion tactics are ever evolving and becoming increasingly egregious. Medical practices continue to be increasingly vulnerable targets. Cyber criminals recognize the value of confidential and protected patient data and are now doubling and even tripling their efforts to take advantage of healthcare organizations.

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.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T Between the Patient and Physician

In her hit song, Aretha Franklin said, “R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to me;” however, we have come to a time in our society when many of us do not know and understand the meaning of respect.

August, 2021

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July, 2021

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June, 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?

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?

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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