The topic of “surprise” medical bills has been gaining traction with federal legislators even as some states have begun to pass their own laws intended to protect patients from the financial challenges these bills can create. Several members of Congress are taking on the issue.

Most of us do not like to think about the “what ifs,” but bad luck can strike at any time and inadequate liability insurance coverage can prove to be financially devastating.

The physician-patient relationship is strengthened when physicians respect the patient’s need for modesty and privacy, when they care enough to educate the patient on the nature of sensitive procedures before performing them, and by using chaperones when conducting intimate physical exams.

Some communications among a patient’s healthcare team may not be as direct as one would prefer, but they may still trigger a duty on the recipient to follow up. Dr. P, a general pediatrician, was called to attend a vaginal delivery of a newborn with a history of three fetal transfusion surgeries.

Thanks to our members’ demonstrated dedication to their organization, the governing boards of the Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. and the Mutual Protection Trust have been elected. We want to extend our gratitude and appreciation to our members during the election cycle.