Preventing Malpractice

Written by an MD/JD, this book offers a unique perspective on medical-legal issues surrounding daily clinical practice. It covers all the essentials and tells the inside secrets of how to avoid cases that cost the medical community millions each year. Readers will learn basic law and the ways laws are interpreted. In addition, the book focuses on the law-medicine-politics triangle and its effect on physicians, the impact of — and issues related to — diversity in medical malpractice, and other essential topics. Physicians who better understand malpractice laws are better clinical decision makers who feel more confident in their ability as doctors.

It is possible to increase cost-effectiveness and lower the risk of lawsuits while improving patient care and office morale. In this revolutionary work, the authors, a seasoned primary care physician and an experienced defense attorney, detail risk management techniques and introduce the concept of co-active medicine. Their book will provide practical guidance for all primary care physicians, and will serve as an invaluable resource for risk management consultants and malpractice attorneys.

The history of accountability: From immunity to liability. Dissecting the malpractice problem. Hospitals' response: Insurance options and risk management. Physician-related medical injury. Mounting a program to prevent medically related injuries. Relating patient injury pre- vention to quality assurance. Organization and implementation of a patient injury prevention system.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: 1. The Escalation of Professional Liability 2. Mental Health Professionals in Society 3. Negligence and Standard of Care 4. Professional Self Concept 5. Company that You Keep 6. Framing a Clinical Practice 7. Client Management 8. Healthy Defensiveness.