Physicians — and their patients — are justifiably frustrated when delays in getting financial authority interfere with the timely provision of medical services. But health care providers need to be careful that they do not become part of the delay.

The California Court of Appeal has found that a health care provider may be disciplined for failing to return phone calls during a critical period following a procedure.

Donating and receiving organs quite often involves family members partnering toward a single medical goal. Despite the common medical issues between the two parties, keeping personal medical information private is nevertheless essential.

A recent appellate decision provides a cautionary tale on how the courts may view a physician’s actions as self-serving — and thus not deserving the legal protections afforded to actual health care.

When a treating physician believes that a referral to another specialist is appropriate, a denied authorization does not mean that the physician should just quietly soldier on.