Even if the business does not participate in social media, most employees use social media in their personal lives. When social media is left unmonitored, medical offices also face the very real risk of violating federal privacy laws by breaching patient confidentiality.

CAP Cares is the Cooperative of American Physicians' early intervention program that provides support to members in the immediate aftermath of an adverse outcome. CAP defines an "adverse outcome" as an outcome that was a known risk of medical care (i.e., a complication or a medical error).

Many hotline calls are made by physicians treating minors of divorced parents attempting to determine just who has the right to consent to the child's treatment; who has the right to access the child's records; and who is responsible for payments for the care received.

Risk Analysis is a thorough assessment of the potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of e-PHI held by the office. The Risk Analysis uses a series of administrative, physical, and technical safeguards to be assessed to assure that e-PHI is being kept confidential.

Medical practices frequently receive medical record release requests from multiple sources, including subpoenas, attorney letters, and patients themselves. Learn the answers to several frequently asked questions by patients.