When a medical practice has a policy of ordering tests “STAT,” but routinely accepts reports issued on a less than urgent basis, troubles lurk.

Sometimes it takes a harsh jury verdict to show physicians the risks they take when trying to do too much for their patients.

Redundancy has its virtues — especially when it comes to making sure that imaging and other test results get back to a patient’s primary care physician.

Patients who fail to take charge of their health care needs present a real threat to the practitioner. Read how a patient's negligence put one doctor in a tight spot.

Benefits can accrue when physicians talk directly with their patients about laboratory results. Just don’t let your system for having that discussion get in the way of communication.