Gordon Ownby, general counsel of the Cooperative of American Physicians, offers examples of litigated cases which may have been avoided had physicians trusted their initial instincts in treating their patients.

When reporting their findings, it is common to see consulting physicians recommend further testing. Absent such an explicit recommendation, a patient’s decision to bypass conservative measures can spell trouble for all.

Did you know that many of the benefits you’re entitled to as a CAP member extend beyond helping you run a safer, more successful medical practice? Physician members and their entire staff can take home a host of high-quality programs and services designed to save money and/or make everyday life a bit easier.

When communicating with patients, a physician’s “custom and practice” as to what he or she advises is often an acceptable substitute for granular detail in a chart entry. But when the physician departs from his or her custom and practice, it’s easy for things to go wrong.

Physicians with patients on pain medication regimens are often attuned to signs of drug abuse. Multiple-drug interactions and simple overuse should also be a concern.