Sending text messages has become a common method of communication among teenagers, adults, and more recently medical professionals. Physicians are discovering that texting provides a quick and efficient way to communicate with colleagues, patients, and office or hospital staff. 

Doctors often get into the field of medicine because they love helping people their patients. However, from time to time, a patient’s behaviors and actions may require the physician to sever ties.

Patient education is a process that begins with the first encounter and continues throughout the physician-patient relationship. Engaging and informing them is a continual challenge.

As the initial panic around Ebola declines, we have time to reflect on what changes should be made to the care provided in the physician office setting, clinic or urgent care.  With the flu season poking its head around the corner many physicians and office staff ponder the need for additional vigilance in their daily practice. 

Patients come in many shapes and sizes. So do their complaints – from the seemingly trivial to the ones that will obviously trigger a malpractice lawsuit. A practice that masters the management and methods of complaint resolution is ahead of game in avoiding grievances, medical board complaints, or worse, the courtroom.