Module 1 - Common Claims Against Physicians: A Specialty Review

For over forty-five years, MLMIC has defended physicians of all specialties against claims of medical malpractice, creating the largest database of New York medical liability data in the process. In this module, a risk management consultant and an attorney specializing in healthcare law present claims data for the most frequently targeted medical specialties, identify the most common allegations against physicians and offer strategies to mitigate the risk of these claims.

Module 2 - Everybody Plays a Role: Reducing Liability Risk in the Office Practice Setting

The majority of healthcare in the United States is provided in the outpatient setting, and the physician office staff play an important role in creating a positive experience for your patients. They also can play a crucial role in keeping patients safe, identifying risk and protecting the practice from malpractice claims. In the third module, a risk management consultant and an attorney specializing in healthcare law discuss some of the most frequent risks in the office practice setting and how your staff can assist in the practice of safe care and reduce the chance of a malpractice claim.

Module 3 - Leveraging Opportunities: The Role of the Advanced Practice Provider

With the demand for healthcare outpacing the number of available physicians, coupled with the aging of the American population, patient care is increasingly provided by Advanced Practice Providers (APPs) in a wide variety of healthcare settings. Research suggests that Advanced Practice Registered Nurse and Physician Assistant jobs will grow exponentially over the next decade.

This growth in the use of APPs has led to an increase in medical malpractice litigation. Allegations arise from direct patient care by APPs, as well as from the supervision of these providers by physicians and healthcare organizations. This module will address the scope of practice and liability risks associated with supervising advanced practice providers, and offer best practices to reduce the potential of claims associated with their care.

Module 4 - Addressing the Disruptive Patient: Strategies for a Changing Dynamic

In this module, a risk management consultant and an attorney specializing in healthcare law discuss disorderly patient behaviors and the factors contributing to their escalation in frequency and severity toward healthcare providers. This program addresses the impact that disruptive behavior can have on both patient care and staff wellness. It outlines risk management strategies that can assist physicians improve the patient experience, reduce the incidence of this behavior in their practices as well as decrease their potential liability exposure.

Module 5 and 6 - High Exposure Liability: Case Study Analyses - Part 1 and Part 2

In these modules, a defense attorney and senior claims examiner discuss high exposure liability claims (those with indemnity payments exceeding $1M) associated with errors in diagnosis. Key factors that contribute to communication and diagnostic errors are reviewed. Legal issues are addressed including the concept of causation. The program also explores the importance of medical record documentation in building the defense of a case involving diagnostic error.

Module 7 - Documentation: Best Practices to Reduce Risk

Consistent, current and complete documentation in the medical record is an essential component of quality patient care. Failure to properly document a patient encounter can lead to significant liability issues for healthcare providers. Careful documentation in the patient’s record improves the provider-patient relationship, enhances reimbursement and is a leading factor in determining whether a plaintiff’s attorney will pursue a potential claim of medical malpractice. In this module, we review the common liability issues associated with documentation in the medical record, and offer strategies to help improve the quality of patient care documentation and reduce potential liability exposures to physicians.

Module 8 - Enhancing the Patient Experience Through Informed Consent

Informed consent is the process by which patients gain a better understanding of the risks, benefits and alternatives to proposed procedures and treatments, allowing them to make informed decisions about their care. It is also a great opportunity to both strengthen the physician-patient relationship, and enhance the overall patient experience. However, failure to obtain informed consent is a common allegation in professional liability claims, and frequently contributes to loss payments against our insureds.