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Risk Management Publications

Keeping you up-to-date to keep you successful.

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.

CAPsules is our monthly member bulletin that serves as a valuable resource for important news, exclusive services, benefits, and products designed to add even greater value to CAP members.

December, 2021
Dee Hoppe
CAP Announces Retirement of Deidri Hoppe from CAP Physicians Insurance Agency, Inc.; Vice President Michael Dyse Named Successor

After 10 years of service to CAP members, Deidri (Dee) Hoppe, President and CEO, CAP Physicians Insurance Agency, Inc. (CAP Agency), is retiring. Ms. Hoppe will be succeeded by Michael Dyse, who is currently Vice President, CAP Agency.

stethoscope with gavel
Following Up When a Specialist Offers Advice

When a specialist comes back with less than clear-cut test results, it is not unusual to see a report that contains politely worded recommendations for further workup. Don’t let the deferential language lull you into complacency.

Physicians and the Holiday Season – Not Always a Joyful Time

As physicians think about the holidays, they must consider their personal health and listen to their minds and bodies. The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration but for some doctors, it is anything but.

physician and staff checking laptop
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.

medical office staff
Adverse Event Disclosure, Difficult Conversations, and the Aftermath

CAP defines an adverse event as either a known risk of medical care (a complication) or an injury caused by a medical error. Understandably, emotions run high for the physician, patient, and the patient’s family after an adverse event occurs. In most cases, it is the physician’s duty to inform the patient and/or family of the event.

California courthouse
New California Health Laws in 2022

On October 10, the California Legislature completed the first year of its two-year cycle for legislative action, with Gov. Newsom signing 770 bills into law and vetoing 66. Of those bills, the majority go into effect on January 1, 2022. Below is a list of some of the bills signed into law in the healthcare space.

physician and staff checking laptop
Thriving in Practice Through Value-Based Care

With value-based care, physicians are reimbursed based on quality rather than volume. The goal is to support patients at their highest possible level of wellness rather than wait to provide care until they get sick, which is often more complex and expensive

Cyber Risk Action Guide
Important Update to CyberRisk Insurance Benefits for CAP Members

As today’s risks grow more threatening and prevalent, it is important for you to remember the value-added insurance coverages CAP provides as part of your membership, including your CyberRisk insurance, which covers $50,000 and 5,000 patient notifications per covered claim should you experience a data breach in your practice. 

cyber attack and data breach warning
Open Remote Desktop Protocol Ports Can Cost You

Ransomware attacks have been on the rise for a few years, but when COVID-19 triggered a near-universal pivot to remote work, a whole new world of vulnerabilities opened to the criminals behind them, including the access of Remote Desktop Protocol ports.

December, 2021
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November, 2021
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October, 2021
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Risk E-Notes
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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