Posts
Malpractice has been in the news lately because of the rising costs in malpractice insurance for doctors. Due to this issue, there are doctors who even had to close their practices. It can be frustrating for doctors who are trying to make it without running into malpractice problems. However, to help prevent malpractice problems, there are some methods that you can try.
Following a process called SOAP is what many doctors do. Outlined in this process are simple steps to ensure the patient is fully aware of their situation and that the doctor covers all points necessary. Some additions are also included in the SOAP procedure which proves to be helpful when it comes to further giving the doctor and patient some security. Keep reading the following list to learn the simple steps a doctor can take to make the patient feel more comfortable and reduce the chance of a malpractice suit.
The patient should be included in all decision making. Fully explaining all options, outcomes and risks to patients are what doctors need to do.
A clear and complete documentation should be kept. Many times, a key element to malpractice suits is documentation. Helping to save a doctor when it court is keeping clear and complete documentation.
Double check important information. This is true especially when the condition of the patient is unclear. Checking and re-checking things like vital signs and keeping them documented will help the doctor treat the patient better.
Try protecting everyone during a sensitive exam. Having an assistant present when conducting a breast or genital exam is a must. The assistant should also note in the documentation that he or she was present during the whole exam.
Be sure that opinions are clearly stated from facts. The difference between facts and opinions are what patients should always understand when making statements about diagnosis, etc.
Make sure patients clearly understand about medications. What they need to know is when and how to take medications prescribed as well as the name of the medication. Doing this will help avoid many problems.
Spending time with the patients. Be ready to answer any question the patient may have and do not rush through exams.
Some of the ways to help avoid malpractice or if malpractice occurs have been suggested and this is to help you get through the following matters. Nothing good will come out of malpractice. Both doctors and patients pay all because of malpractice suits. If malpractice is avoided, then it would be best for anyone. The best way to avoid malpractice problems is taking every possible step to ensure patients get the best medical care and feel comfortable.
Following a process called SOAP is what many doctors do. Outlined in this process are simple steps to ensure the patient is fully aware of their situation and that the doctor covers all points necessary. Some additions are also included in the SOAP procedure which proves to be helpful when it comes to further giving the doctor and patient some security. Keep reading the following list to learn the simple steps a doctor can take to make the patient feel more comfortable and reduce the chance of a malpractice suit.
The patient should be included in all decision making. Fully explaining all options, outcomes and risks to patients are what doctors need to do.
A clear and complete documentation should be kept. Many times, a key element to malpractice suits is documentation. Helping to save a doctor when it court is keeping clear and complete documentation.
Double check important information. This is true especially when the condition of the patient is unclear. Checking and re-checking things like vital signs and keeping them documented will help the doctor treat the patient better.
Try protecting everyone during a sensitive exam. Having an assistant present when conducting a breast or genital exam is a must. The assistant should also note in the documentation that he or she was present during the whole exam.
Be sure that opinions are clearly stated from facts. The difference between facts and opinions are what patients should always understand when making statements about diagnosis, etc.
Make sure patients clearly understand about medications. What they need to know is when and how to take medications prescribed as well as the name of the medication. Doing this will help avoid many problems.
Spending time with the patients. Be ready to answer any question the patient may have and do not rush through exams.
Some of the ways to help avoid malpractice or if malpractice occurs have been suggested and this is to help you get through the following matters. Nothing good will come out of malpractice. Both doctors and patients pay all because of malpractice suits. If malpractice is avoided, then it would be best for anyone. The best way to avoid malpractice problems is taking every possible step to ensure patients get the best medical care and feel comfortable.
No comments:
Post a Comment