Health care professionals are respected for the depth and breadth of their clinical knowledge. As essential as this expertise may be, statistics illuminating the hidden epidemic of low health literacy have made the cultivation of a very different skills set—provider-patient communication skills equally important to achieving patient safety and optimizing patient outcomes.

This article examines some of the important features of a patient portal and the security features necessary to protect patient information. It also reviews what meaningful use criteria is as it is set forth by CMS.

Smaller hospitals and clinics must avoid the common mistake of thinking they won't fall victim to cyberattacks, warns risk management expert Tom Andre, vice president of information services at the Cooperative of American Physicians, which offers malpractice and cyber insurance.

Traditionally, hospitals and physicians do not share patient information with other hospitals and other physicians.

The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) and the Sierra Sacramento Valley Medical Society (SSVMS) are collaborating to bring to you a presentation designed to help your practice. Susan Jones, CPHRM, CAP Senior Risk Management & Patient Safety Specialist, will teach you what you need to know about workplace violence and how to prevent it.