Overview

“Risk management” is one approach to reducing the frequency and severity of malpractice suits.  The practice of risk management involves identifying problem practice patterns or behaviors (those which affect the commencement or pursuit of a claim), then eliminating or controlling them to reduce the likelihood that a malpractice claim will be filed.  Medical record charting, patient scheduling, writing prescriptions and communicating with patients are only a few of the common activities that may affect the likelihood or course of litigation.

Objectives

Upon completion of this course, a physician should be able to:

1. Recognize key elements and leading causes of malpractice lawsuits in traditional and managed care environments.
2. Discuss ways of handling problem patient relationships.
3. Disclose medical errors and unanticipated outcomes to patients and their families.
4. Know how to control risks in the traditional medical office.
5. Understand the role of medical record documentation in preventing lawsuits.

 

Target Audience

This course is designed for physicians who want a concise course that outlines risk management basics.

Metholodogy

This is a self-study course consisting of text and CME test.  Physicians should read the course content, answer the test questions and submit the answers for scoring.  Those who complete the course with a score of 80 percent or higher will earn a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.

Faculty/Author

This course was developed by Rosemary Gafner, Ed.D.  Dr. Gafner’s CV is available on request or online at https://www.medrisk.com/Medrisk/Faculty/CV/default.aspx.

CME Information

Medical Risk Management, Inc. is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing education for physicians.  Medical Risk Management, Inc.designates this continuing medical education activity for a maximum of 6 AMA PRA Category 1 creditsTM.  Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

This activity is valid for release May 1, 2007 and expires on April 30, 2010.

Commercial Support

This activity was developed solely by Medical Risk Management, Inc. without any outside commercial support.