GET A QUOTE Sign In Contact Us Report a Claim ICONS_NAV_SVG About Us Insurance Solutions Risk Management Education and CME Lab, Test, Consult Management Nov 19, 2021 Patient Safety Strategies for Oncology Lisa M. McCorkle, MSN, MBA, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company Cancer care is complex and, at times, hazardous work that requires careful attention to maintain safety for both patients and providers. The strategies presented here are essential to enhancing safety and mitigating risk. Professional Education Clinical Presentations Cause Delays: Failure to Diagnose Myocardial Infarction In reviewing closed malpractice claims, The Doctors Company identified missed or delayed diagnosis of myocardial infarction (MI) in the ambulatory internal medicine setting as a reoccurring problem. This course highlights the importance of recognizing the varying clinical presentations of MI and contributing factors associated with failure to diagnose and treat. Assumptions, lack of a thorough history and physical, communication failures, and failure to recognizing atypical signs and symptoms are highlighted in this case study. 0.5 credit Professional Education Delayed Diagnosis of Stroke In reviewing closed malpractice claims, The Doctors Company identified diagnostic failure as a reoccurring problem and one of the top three leading allegations that result in malpractice claims. This failure often leads to a delay in treatment and causes significant harm to patients. The following highlights the importance of recognizing the signs and symptoms of a stroke. 0.5 credit Professional Education Cervical Cancer Claims: A Review in Gynecology Cervical cancer medical negligence claims are reviewed over a ten-year period to identify the major case types in which the gynecologist is the responsible party. The factors that contributed to those claims as identified by plaintiff and defense physician experts are discussed through case examples with learner questions. Risk mitigation strategies are identified to guide gynecologists in further providing the safest patient care and thereby improving their risk profile. 1.0 credit Professional Education Alzheimer's – 4 Addressing Patients' and Families' Needs through the Disease Stages of Dementia This activity includes seven video lectures and is the fourth in a series of four courses that seek to educate clinicians on standardized screening, evaluation, and disease management of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This fourth course covers life planning through disease stages, assessing and assisting caregivers, improving communications, utilizing community resources, and end of life decision-making. These sensitive conversations with patients. The course finishes with a focus on dementia resources, effective communication strategies, and understanding when it is time to make a referral to a specialist. 1.8 credits Professional Education Alzheimer's – 2 Evaluation and Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias This activity includes eight video lectures and is the second in a series of four courses that seek to educate clinicians on standardized screening, evaluation, and disease management of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This second course introduces the Alzheimer’s project evaluation algorithm and evaluation instruments and focuses on differential diagnoses. Finally, the course discusses how to prepare and engage in a sensitive dementia diagnosis disclosure with patients and caregivers. 1.5 credits Professional Education Alzheimer's – 3 Addressing and Managing Behavioral and Environmental Symptoms of Dementia This activity includes eight video lectures and is the third in a series of four courses that seek to educate clinicians on standardized screening, evaluation, and disease management of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This third course focuses on using the DICE method to assess behavioral symptoms of dementia and create and evaluation treatment plans. This course also covers the careful use of medication during disease management as wells as common behavioral issues with dementia patients including tools for management of these behaviors. 1.3 credits Professional Education Alzheimer's – 1 Screening for Dementia Among Adults with Cognitive Decline This activity includes eight video lectures and is the first in a series of four courses that seek to educate clinicians on standardized screening, evaluation, and disease management of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. This first course focuses on introducing the Alzheimer’s Project and highlighting the increasingly important role of primary care providers in dementia care. This course also introduces the Alzheimer’s Project cognitive impairment screening algorithm and screening instruments and covers addressing reversible conditions that may present similar symptoms to cognitive impairment. 1.3 credits Professional Education Prevention of Dental Errors for Dental Practices Few dental errors are attributed to faulty judgment. More commonly, they are attributed to system failures inherent in healthcare delivery. By drawing on our professional liability closed claims data, we have identified common performance and diagnostic errors: wrong-site surgery, improper performance of dental procedure, wrong or unnecessary treatment or procedure, retention of foreign body during treatment, and diagnosis related. We analyzed loss prevention measures in tandem with the elements necessary to conduct a credible and thorough root cause analysis (RCA) to reduce system failures, respond to sentinel events, prevent dental errors, and improve patient safety. The purpose of this continuing dental education activity is to provide dentists with the most current information regarding the prevention of common performance and diagnostic errors. The course covers: • Identification of the most common quality-of-care violations. • Illustrative case studies detailing prevalent diagnostic and performance errors. • The necessary elements of an RCA. • Safety systems in healthcare organizations. • Risk management measures designed to prevent dental errors and increase patient safety. 2.0 credits Professional Education Prevention of Dental Errors for Florida Dental Practices The purpose of this continuing dental education activity is to provide dentists with the most current information regarding the prevention of common performance and diagnostic errors. The course covers: • Identification of the most common quality-of-care violations. • Illustrative case studies detailing prevalent diagnostic and performance errors. • The necessary elements of an RCA. • Safety systems in healthcare organizations. • Risk management measures designed to prevent dental errors and increase patient safety. This course is specific to Florida statutes and reflects regulations effective in February 2018 for dentists licensed by the Florida Board of Dentistry. 2.0 credits Professional Education Patient Relations: Spotlight on Challenging Situations The Doctors Company’s dedicated patient safety risk managers deliver a wide range of expert services and resources to our members—including personal telephone consultations to help guide members through challenging situations. A recent review of our call data shows that “patient relations” and “patient termination” consistently appear as the top reasons that members request assistance. The following strategies can help prevent challenging patient situations and provide guidance if one occurs. 0.5 credit Professional Education Aducanumab for Treatment of Alzheimer's Disease – Controversy and Appropriate Communications Panel discussion among neurologists and geriatric psychiatrists to clarify controversial issues surrounding the FDA’s recent approval of Aducanumab for treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and appropriate messaging to patients and family members. Following their presentations, the panel experts will conduct a question-and-answer session. 1.5 credits Professional Education Pathologists and Surgeons Can Collaborate to Reduce Diagnostic Error The Doctors Company has updated the claims filed against pathologists between the years 2015 and 2020. The information provides quantitative and qualitative data that a pathologist and surgeon would find meaningful in reducing diagnostic error. This program provides a breakdown of where patient injuries occur involving pathologists and surgeons and how collaboration between the two disciplines can improve patient outcomes. 1.0 credit Aug 02, 2021 COVID-19 and Patient Safety in the Medical Office Debbie Kane Hill, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group COVID-19 infections, driven by the Delta variant, have jumped nearly 60 percent. With communities around the country taking a variety of approaches to restrictions for public health, what are the latest considerations for keeping patients and staff safe within the medical office setting? Professional Education Patient Safety in Spine Surgery Spine surgery requires a series of best practice patient safety interventions to reduce the frequency and severity of patient harm while giving the care team the resources to mitigate such harm. Evidence-based clinical methods, pathways, and tools coupled with an evolving culture of patient safety through effective communication, teams, and teamwork has shown to reduce patient harm exponentially. Patient and clinical team experiences are enhanced while ensuring a learning culture is built that approaches surgery from both a technical and nontechnical approach alike. 1.3 credits Professional Education The Need for Close Monitoring in Hyponatremia: Osmotic Demyelination Syndrome In reviewing closed malpractice claims, The Doctors Company identified mismanagement of sodium levels during correction of severe hyponatremia as a serious problem that can result in catastrophic permanent neurological injury due to osmotic demyelination syndrome (also known as central pontine myelinolysis). This article highlights the importance of close monitoring of sodium levels during correction of severe hyponatremia, with a slow and controlled pace of sodium correction. Contributing factors discussed include clinical judgment with regard to rate of rise of sodium levels, patient monitoring, choice of practice setting, and communication between providers, especially at points of transition in care. 0.5 credit Professional Education Risky Practices: Hidden Liabilities Identified by Medical Office Assessments Office practice assessments by The Doctors Company's patient safety risk managers uncover hidden liability risks, often exposing areas where patients can "fall through the cracks" and leave the practice vulnerable to a malpractice claim. Our Practice Risk INSIGHT, an assessment tool customized by specialty, zeros in on problematic areas. The assessments have been completed across a range of practice environments around the country—from small offices to practices that are part of large integrated delivery systems. In this course, we analyze the results of the Practice Risk INSIGHT assessments, highlight problem-prone areas and offer strategies to minimize liability. 1.3 credits May 14, 2021 Managing Healthcare Practice Operations during COVID-19 Debbie Kane Hill, MBA, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager As COVID-19 cases continue to rise and fall across all regions of the United States, practices must adapt and adjust their operations according to regional mandates, which can transition overnight with the shifting environment. For areas where there is a resurgence of the virus or as new strains of the virus emerge, you will need to be attentive to newly imposed restrictions. If disease transmission slows further, authorities may lift additional restrictions. Professional Education Breast Cancer Claims – A Review in Gynecology Breast cancer medical negligence claims are reviewed over a ten-year period to identify the major case types in which the gynecologist is the responsible party. The factors that contributed to those claims as identified by plaintiff and defense physician experts are discussed through case examples with learner questions. Risk mitigation strategies are identified to guide gynecologists in further providing the safest patient care and thereby improving their risk profile. 1.0 credit Professional Education Pain Management - A Closed Claim Analysis Looking at Risks and Lessons Learned For the first time, The Doctors Company has published an analysis of lawsuits and claims filed against pain management physicians. This study completed in 2020 provides quantitative and qualitative information that a physician who practices pain management, including interventional approaches to treatment would find useful in mitigating the risks of unintended outcomes or harms. This study breaks down where most patient injuries occur, what those injuries are, and the lessons learned from those claims. 1.3 credits Professional Education A Deep Dive into Managing Orthopedic Risks (FORPG) This course identifies the systems and processes that present risks for patient harm and have significant impact on patient outcomes in the orthopedic practice. The course draws from the results of the Orthopedic Office Practice Self-Assessments completed by The Doctors Company, members of the Florida Orthopedic Risk Purchasing Group, and from other orthopedic practices who are members of The Doctors Company. 1.0 credit Video Apr 02, 2021 What Strategies Can Help Physicians Reduce Risk When Using Remote Patient Monitoring? Chad Anguilm, vice president of In-practice Technology Services for Medical Advantage, part of the TDC Group of Companies, answers how physicians can reduce risk when using remote patient monitoring. Professional Education Interventional Radiology: Analysis of Closed Malpractice Claims Studying interventional radiology malpractice claims provides an understanding of drivers of lawsuits and patient injuries that result. By analyzing these claims and identifying the contributing factors involved, risk mitigation strategies can be developed and implemented reducing adverse patient outcomes and increasing patient safety. 0.8 credit Video Mar 29, 2021 How Can Remote Patient Monitoring Create a Potential Malpractice Risk? Chad Anguilm, vice president of In-practice Technology Services for Medical Advantage, part of the TDC Group of Companies, explores the potential risk involved in using remote patient monitoring. Professional Education TeamSTEPPS® Teamwork Training in the Office Practice This course provides an overview of the evidence-based TeamSTEPPS® concepts, tools, and strategies based on the four areas of 1) leadership, 2) mutual support, 3) situation monitoring, and 4) communication. TeamSTEPPS training provides teachable/learnable skills that improve communication and teamwork among healthcare professionals in both acute care and ambulatory care environments. 1.5 credits Feb 03, 2021 The Importance of Clinical Health Information at the Point of Radiology Order Lisa M. McCorkle, MSN, MBA, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company Having ready access to patients’ clinical information helps radiologists eliminate assumptions and apply their skills and expertise in rendering accurate interpretive reports. Feb 03, 2021 Curbside Consultations: Patient Safety and Legal Risks Susan Shepard, MSN, RN, Senior Director, Patient Safety and Risk Management Education; and Richard Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company Physicians should be aware of the potential liability of informal "curbside" consultations, especially if expectations between the physicians are not clearly communicated. Professional Education HIPAA Fundamentals: 2021 Edition This on-demand program provides an orientation to the basic requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). HIPAA gives patients many rights with respect to their health information. 1.0 credit Professional Education Diagnostic Radiology: A Failure to Diagnose In reviewing closed malpractice claims, The Doctors Company identified delayed diagnosis of a malignancy as a reoccurring problem. The following highlights the importance of recognizing a spinal abnormality and recommending further follow up of a lesion seen on imaging. Contributing factors include misinterpretation of radiologic studies, narrow diagnostic focus, lack of communication and failure to establish a differential diagnosis. 0.5 credit Professional Education HIPAA for Managers: The High-Level View The program explores and defines HIPAA policies and procedures, business associate agreements, security assessment and analysis, training requirements, HIPAA compliance requirements, breach events, and informed consent. 1.0 credit Professional Education Prevention of Diagnostic Error in Primary Care Diagnostic errors occur often in primary care settings and can impact over 12 million outpatients annually. This is a top patient safety concern and a global burden. Significant patient harm can occur due to treatment delay, testing, or misdiagnosis. This course is an opportunity to promote awareness and visibility by identifying where these errors occur most often in the diagnostic process of care framework. 1.0 credit Professional Education It's the Little Things: An Introduction to Enhancing Patient Relations and Reducing Risks It's the Little Things is designed to assist medical practices with improvements in patient interactions by looking at how incorporating hospitality as a focus makes a difference. It has been developed to improve multiple facets of patient interaction. 1.3 credits Professional Education Lessons Learned – Plastic Surgery Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations This course is based on the findings of a study conducted by The Doctors Company that analyzed 415 claims that closed against plastic surgeons (from July 2015–December 2018). 1.3 credits Professional Education Medical Error Prevention The purpose of this monograph and continuing medical education activity is to provide physicians with the most current information regarding the prevention of common performance and diagnostic errors. 2.0 credits Professional Education Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing – Florida Edition The Doctors Company recognizes the opioid epidemic in this country. This course provides insights into the risks of opioid usage, as shown by malpractice claims, and how to reduce those risks both for your patient and for your practice. Approved by the Florida Board of Medicine—Controlled Substance Prescribing. 2.0 credits Professional Education Prevention of Medical Errors: CME Risk Management Course for Florida Practices This activity is specific to Florida statutes and reflects regulations effective February 2020. Few medical errors are attributed to faulty medical judgment. More commonly, they are attributed to system failures inherent in healthcare delivery. By drawing on our professional liability closed claims data, we have identified common performance and diagnostic errors that reflect on the most common issues identified by Florida—wrong site surgery, surgery complications, cancer, Ob/Gyn related conditions, gastroenterology conditions, cardiology issues, neurological issues, and adverse drug events—that will serve as the focal point of this patient safety and risk management course. 2.0 credits Professional Education Cauda Equina Syndrome: A Failure to Diagnose Failures of systems often prevent physicians from making timely diagnoses. Failures may result when patient assessments are incomplete, having a narrow diagnostic focus, or diagnostic test issues. Other factors that hinder timely diagnoses include failure to appreciate signs and symptoms, lack of consults, and failure to respond to repeated patient concerns/symptoms. 0.5 credit Professional Education Diagnostic Cardiology Closed Claims Study: An Expert Analysis of Medical Malpractice Allegations The specialty of cardiology is complex and has underlying vulnerabilities that can put patients at risk of injury and can increase liability for cardiologists and other clinicians who treat heart patients. Understanding common areas of liability and risk exposure are a valuable way to make effective practice improvements. 0.5 credit Aug 17, 2020 What Lessons Did We Learn from COVID-19 David L. Feldman, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief Medical Officer, The Doctors Company Group, and Laura Kline, CPCU, MBA, Senior Vice President, Business Development, The Doctors Company Each year, The Doctors Company assembles healthcare leaders to discuss the most pressing issues affecting physicians, practices, and systems across the spectrum of care. The 2020 Executive Advisory Board meeting gathered top healthcare executives for a virtual discussion of shared pandemic experiences and lessons learned that can help healthcare organizations navigate through COVID-19 and beyond. Feb 11, 2020 Laboratory and Diagnostic Test Tracking in Ambulatory Practice Dana Faber, MS PSL, RN, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager Inadequate clinical laboratory and diagnostic test tracking is a top factor leading to patient injury. Video Dec 16, 2019 Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Benefits and Risks A third of U.S. physicians are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their practices, and many believe there is ample reason to think this advanced technology can help address diagnostic errors—the largest cause of malpractice claims. However, there are still unresolved questions about the risks. Professional Education Spotlight on Anesthesia Claims: Moving the Needle In this course we will show how comorbidities complicated the delivery of good anesthesia care. And we will share how important a thorough history and physical is to identifying potential problems that occur in the administration of anesthesia care. 1.0 credit Professional Education Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing - Georgia Edition This three-hour learning activity provides instruction on controlled substance prescribing guidelines, recognizing signs of abuse or misuse of controlled substances, and controlled substance prescribing for chronic pain management, as delineated in Georgia Rule 360-15-.01. It also provides tools and resources to assist in educating staff and informing patients. 3.0 credits Professional Education Prescribing Opioids Safely Faced with an opioid-related epidemic that continues to bring addiction and deaths, it is important to define the role of opioids for both acute and chronic pain management. This activity spotlights the epidemic and presents the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines, regulations, studies, and emerging solutions to address the epidemic and allow for effective and appropriate use of these drugs. 2.5 credits Professional Education Safe and Effective Opioid Prescribing - Michigan Edition This three-hour learning activity provides instruction on controlled substance prescribing guidelines, recognizing signs of abuse or misuse of controlled substances, and requirements delineated in Michigan’s law. It also provides tools and resources to assist in educating staff and informing patients. 3.0 credits Oct 31, 2019 The Algorithm Will See You Now: How AI’s Healthcare Potential Outweighs Its Risk A third of U.S. physicians are already using artificial intelligence (AI) in their practices, and many believe there is ample reason to think this advanced technology can help address diagnostic errors—the largest cause of malpractice claims. However, there are still unresolved questions about the risks. Professional Education Advanced Practice Providers Closed Claims: What Can We Learn? A recent study by the Association of American Medical Colleges predicts that the U.S. would need an additional 95,900 doctors, 22,700 NPs, and 12,800 PAs immediately if healthcare use patterns were equalized across race, insurance coverage, and geographic location. More understanding of the liability associated with APPs can help provide insight on the current situation and identify strategies that decrease risk, improve patient safety, and advance patient care. 1.0 credit Professional Education Dementia Q&A: What Physicians Ask About Diagnosis and Treatment This course focuses on the common concerns and questions expressed by physicians about dementia and cognitive impairment. This course covers making the initial observation of cognitive decline and beginning a conversation with older adult patients; overcoming common barriers to making a definitive diagnosis of dementia; and managing the ongoing clinical needs of patients experiencing dementia. 1.5 credits Professional Education Physical Examination and Its Impact on Outcomes Advancements in technology improve the timeliness and accuracy of many diagnoses but the technology does not replace a thorough physical examination. For some diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, herpes zoster, cellulitis, and Bell’s palsy the PE is the only diagnostic tool available. This short course makes the case for reversing the downward trend for physical examinations. 0.8 credit Professional Education Ob/Gyn: Telephone Communications The most frequent inconsistent practice found in the Practice Risk INSIGHT assessments was telephone communication (22 percent not met). When appropriate and adequate systems are in place, the physician is less at risk for having a suit filed. This case-based study provides insights and risk management techniques to lessen the frequency and severity of such a claim. 0.5 credit Professional Education Psychiatry: Preventing Adverse Outcomes The Doctors Company study of closed claims reveals areas of higher risk in outpatient psychiatry practices. Using this as a foundation, the course provides information to evaluate your practice and make changes to improve decisions about treatment, operational processes, reporting, and documentation. 1.5 credits Professional Education Saline Overdose Cases This activity delivers insights from malpractice claims involving severe hyponatremia. The recommendations and strategies outlined here can help physicians avoid adverse outcomes when treating patients with this particularly difficult and complex condition. 0.5 credit Professional Education Medical Office Assessments Reveal Hidden Liabilities The Doctors Company’s patient safety risk managers conducted office practice assessments across a range of practice environments around the country. This activity analyzes the results, highlights problem-prone areas, and offers strategies to minimize areas where patients can “fall through the cracks” and leave the practice vulnerable to a malpractice claim. 1.0 credit Show by type: Articles Videos Education Stay in the Know Sign up for The Doctor’s Practice. Our e-newsletter features timely articles, videos, and guides on a range of patient safety topics. 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