Risk Management News and Education

CAP is committed to helping our member physicians meet the challenges that arise during the COVID-19 pandemic. To that end, CAP has launched our COVID-19 resource page, which will continually be revised with key guidance and current best practices. Among the useful resources the site currently offers are printable office signage templates, healthcare provider resources, and extensive guidance to implementing telemedicine in your practice.

As an epidemic of controlled substance abuse continues to sweep the nation, numerous healthcare providers have been impacted by theft of their United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) number. A recent survey revealed that approximately 10% of prescribers reported having their DEA number stolen or compromised

What is the appropriate time frame for completing medical record documentation in the office setting? According to Medicare, “the service should be documented during, or as soon as practicable after it is provided, in order to maintain an accurate medical record.”

Have you ever heard the colloquialism “Don’t count your chickens before they’ve hatched"? Of course, you have. Yet, it seems in healthcare we frequently do so. This is especially true in the immediate postoperative period.

A frequently asked question we receive at CAP is “can I release the records?” Medical practices frequently receive medical record release requests from multiple sources, including subpoenas, attorneys letters, law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and patients themselves.

The Cooperative of American Physicians is pleased to offer its newly revised and updated Risk Management Institute exclusively to CAP member practices at no cost.

In the new year alone, ketamine has already made headlines in dozens of articles highlighting its increased off-label use. There has been a significant increase in exposure and interest for this old drug that seemingly has new tricks up its sleeve.

Oftentimes when we think of medication errors, we think of the acute setting and infamous cases such as the Quaid twins and the heparin error. However, we must remember that medication errors occur in the ambulatory office setting also.

CAP member practices can take advantage of a free virtual practice visit to help you evaluate your existing office protocols, recommend operational enhancements, and avoid common scenarios that can put you at risk of a medical malpractice lawsuit.

CAP defines an adverse event as either a known risk of medical care (a complication) or an injury caused by a medical error. Understandably, emotions run high for the physician, patient, and the patient’s family after an adverse event occurs. In most cases, it is the physician’s duty to inform the patient and/or family of the event.