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.

MICRA and AB 35: What to Expect With the New Law

Over the past 40 years, CAP has staunchly opposed any changes to MICRA and has spent millions of dollars to ensure its protection. This year, alongside our traditional allies, CAP was prepared to defend MICRA once again and fight the Fairness for Injured Patients Act (FIPA) measure set to appear on the ballot this fall.

Medical Record Documentation: Time is of the Essence

What is the appropriate time frame for completing medical record documentation in the office setting? According to Medicare, “the service should be documented during, or as soon as practicable after it is provided, in order to maintain an accurate medical record.”

Your DEA Number: Is it Safe?

As an epidemic of controlled substance abuse continues to sweep the nation, numerous healthcare providers have been impacted by theft of their United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number. A recent survey revealed that approximately 10% of prescribers reported having their DEA number stolen or compromised

No Surprises Act Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Portal

The No Surprise Billing Act went into effect on January 1, 2022, and affects physicians that see patients who are uninsured or who self-pay for medical services.

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.

Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. and Mutual Protection Trust Notice of Joint Meeting of Members, July 20, 2022

A regular annual meeting of members of the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP), a nonstock membership cooperative corporation, and the members of the Mutual Protection Trust (MPT), an unincorporated interindemnity arrangement, will be held on July 20.

Critical Tips for Protecting Your Practice from Dangerous Business Risks

Medical practices are legal business entities that carry significant financial risks. While it is impossible to remove 100 percent of everyday risks, physicians should take prudent steps to mitigate business and financial risks to their practices.

California’s State Budget Revision: What’s Included for Healthcare?

On May 13, 2022, Governor Newsom presented a revised FY2022-2023 state budget proposal to the Legislature, also known as the May Revision.

June, 2022

Download PDF

May, 2022

Download PDF

April, 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?

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.

Enter your email address below and subscribe today!

Apply now! Enjoy the benefits of CAP protection.

Apply for Coverage

Search form