Medical Liability Minute

EP 94: Surgeon Unmasks the Unmaskable Defamatory Reviewer - How She Did It (Part 2)

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:30:00 -0500

Dr. Susan Schroeder is an extremely talented dermatological surgeon. She's been in practice for over two decades. She's treated thousands of patients. In the mid-2000s, she noticed an abnormally large number of negative reviews. She suspected foul play and spearheaded an investigation. Over the course of several years, she slowly unmasked the malicious entities responsible for the damaging reviews. Her success bucks the trend. Doctors who attempt to use the law to uncover these defamatory entities often lose, and lose big. How did she do it, and what were the final outcomes? Our two-part podcast has the details...

EP 93: Surgeon Unmasks the Unmaskable Defamatory Reviewer - How She Did It (Part 1)

Wed, 08 Mar 2023 13:00:00 -0500

EP 92: Raving Patients and Reputation Marketing with Dr. Len Tau (Part 2)

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:30:00 -0500

Chosen as one of the top leaders in dental consulting by Dentistry Today, Len Tau, DMD, has dedicated his professional life to improving dentistry for patients and other dentists.

After purchasing his practice, the Pennsylvania Center for Dental Excellence
in Philadelphia in 2007, Len practiced full-time while consulting with other dental practices, training thousands of dentists about reputation marketing, leading the dental division of BirdEye, a reputation marketing platform, and hosting the popular Raving Patients podcast. He recently authored the book Raving Patients and 100+ Tips to 100 5-Star Reviews in 100 Days released in March 2022.

Len lectures nationally and internationally on using internet marketing, social media, and reputation marketing to make dental offices more visible and credible as well as how to increase their case acceptance.

EP 91: Raving Patients and Reputation Marketing with Dr. Len Tau (Part 1)

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 12:00:00 -0500

Chosen as one of the top leaders in dental consulting by Dentistry Today, Len Tau, DMD, has dedicated his professional life to improving dentistry for patients and other dentists.

Dr. Tau and Dr. Segal discuss reputation marketing best practices specific to dentists - but the take-home points resonate with all healthcare professionals. Join us.

EP 90: Prescribing Testosterone and Other Controlled Substances Without Getting Blown Up (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 28 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0500

There are medical reasons for prescribing testosterone, and there are ways doctors can prescribe it to patients in need while mitigating risk. How?

Enter Mr. Rick Collins, JD. Mr. Collins is an esteemed legal authority in the field of many controlled substances - including testosterone. Dr. Jeff Segal and Mr. Collins discuss at length how to safely prescribe testosterone, the implications of marketing the substance, and how to occupy the interstice of what a patient wants and what the law allows.

EP 89: Prescribing Testosterone and Other Controlled Substances Without Getting Blown Up (Part 1 of 2)

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:00:00 -0500

EP 88: Surviving Board Issues from Hell (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 12:00:00 -0500

Medical board issues top the list of threats doctors fear the most, and for good reason. Not many of us know what to do or who to contact when the Board comes knocking - but best practices do exist. And it's important doctors take these issues seriously, even if the threats themselves come from a meritless source. Doctors need expert guidance no matter what. Enter James McClendon, JD. Mr. McClendon is a Partner at Husch Blackwell and an expert at addressing Board issues of all kinds. He helps doctors survive high-stakes conflicts and come out on top. Medical Justice and Mr. McClendon speak at length about what doctors can do to increase their odds in the event a confrontation with the Board is inevitable. Our podcast has the details...

EP 87: Surviving Board Issues from Hell (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 02 Nov 2022 15:00:00 -0400

EP 86: The Ideal Screening Tool for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Ounce of Prevention Worth Pounds of Cure (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 12 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400

It's not uncommon for clients to call us with a patient conflict and tell us the following: "I performed a perfect procedure and the patient is still livid. What did I do wrong?" The problem may not have been the procedure - it's possible the patient was not a good fit for the procedure in the first place. Here's what we mean: A patient suffering from a condition like body dysmorphic disorder will likely never be satisfied. Patients suffering from these conditions generally need a referral to a provider who specializes in treating such individuals. How do you broach the subject? How can you screen prospective patients for these challenges BEFORE you assume ownership of their care? Leslie Fletcher, NP-BC, is a highly respected aesthetic nurse injector who has worked since 2001 with world-renowned, celebrity dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Leslie has trained over 6,000 providers and is a master at addressing and resolving patient conflicts specific to the medispa space. Medical Justice and Leslie Fletcher, NP-BC, discuss in detail how surgeons can screen prospective patients for these conditions before treatment starts - increasing the likelihood the patient is a good fit for your practice and minimizing the risk of patient conflict. Our podcast has the details...

EP 85: The Ideal Screening Tool for Body Dysmorphic Disorder: Ounce of Prevention Worth Pounds of Cure (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 05 Oct 2022 12:00:00 -0400

EP 84: Doctors, Data Theft, and Cyber Liability Protection (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Ten years ago, no one talked about cyber liability insurance. That's changed. So has the world. The laundry list of cyber security threats that COULD disrupt a doctor's practice is growing. Doctors need an expert who can help them prioritize the risks specific to their practice and act accordingly - BEFORE it's too late. Enter Teddy Gillen. Teddy and Dr. Segal discuss how doctors can survive cyber attacks like ransomware, data theft, and more. Our podcast has the details...

EP 83: Doctors, Data Theft, and Cyber Liability Protection (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 07 Sep 2022 14:00:00 -0400

EP 82: Charting the Healthcare Professional’s Path to Wealth (Part 2)

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400

Healthcare professionals possess high-earning potential. That’s not news. But their path to wealth is different. That’s why it’s critical they consult with experts. Ideally, seasoned pros with a visceral understanding of both medicine and finance.

We’ve collaborated with our colleagues at Medical Justice to deliver those insights to you via their podcast, the Medical Liability Minute.

Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Dr. Jeff Segal, and Mr. Jefferey Taxman, the principal of Physicians Financial Services, discuss blueprints for achieving wealth in a special two-part podcast. This is a whirlwind tour. Dr. Segal and Mr. Taxman outline the paths to wealth that will help you thrive - and how to avoid the pitfalls that create havoc. Your wealth (and the financial security of those who count on you) is invaluable. Our collaborative podcast dispenses pearls of wisdom that pay dividends.

EP 81: The Radonda Vaught Verdict from a Nurse’s Perspective (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 31 Aug 2022 12:00:00 -0400

RaDonda Vaught worked as a nurse at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center between 2015 and January 2018. If you follow medical news outlets, you are likely familiar with Vaught’s case. She mistakenly injected a patient with a paralytic agent, killing her. Healthcare professionals are concerned her case could set a precedent for criminalizing medical errors. Will it? Tina Vinsant is a registered nurse with a BSN from Lincoln Memorial University in East Tennessee. Tina has been a nurse for six years. She worked for four and a half years in a Progressive Care Unit at the region's only level one trauma center. She worked as a team leader in this PCU as a certified Progressive Critical Care Nurse for over a year. She has since moved to the Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit and is now a certified Critical Care Registered Nurse. Tina also operates her own podcast, Good Nurse, Bad Nurse. Medical Justice speaks with Tina at length about Vaught's case, outcomes, and sentencing. The Vaught case will impact ALL healthcare professionals. During these events, a nurse's perspective is invaluable. Our podcast has the details...

EP 80: Charting the Healthcare Professional’s Path to Wealth (Part 1)

Fri, 26 Aug 2022 09:21:00 -0400

We’ve collaborated with our colleagues at Medical Justice to deliver those insights to you via their podcast, the Medical Liability Minute.

EP 79: The Radonda Vaught Verdict from a Nurse’s Perspective (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 24 Aug 2022 15:05:00 -0400

EP 77: Bad News, Wrong Man. Patient‘s Prostate Removed by Mistake.

Wed, 13 Jul 2022 12:35:00 -0400

Eric Spang underwent a routine prostate examination in late-2020. His blood test revealed elevated levels of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA). This sometimes indicates the presence of prostate cancer. He underwent a biopsy to confirm. When his biopsy came back apparently positive, Mr. Spang and his wife discussed his options and his doctor. After seeking a second opinion, surgeons removed Mr. Spang’s prostate, believing the procedure would save his life. It wasn’t until the procedure concluded that the surgeons realized the mistake. Mr. Spang did not have prostate cancer...

EP 78: Delayed Melanoma Diagnosis Dooms Patient - Or Does It? The Wonky World of Loss of Chance.

Tue, 12 Jul 2022 12:30:00 -0400

The patient/plaintiff was a 78-year-old man. Doctors identified and removed what they believed was a basal cell carcinoma on his arm. Turns out, it was melanoma. When the patient was eventually diagnosed with melanoma, the disease was advanced. The plaintiff's attorney argued that the initial misdiagnosis damaged his client's chances of survival. But did it? There's a legal theory called "loss of chance." The idea is that when a patient has a horrible prognosis, doctors aren't always liable for a bad outcome. But details matter. Here's what doctors need to know...

EP 76: Pandemic Violence, Produce Sabotage, Physician Infighting in Idaho. The COVID Half-Hour.

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:00:00 -0400

The pandemic has spawned numberless medico-legal challenges. We bring three of the most interesting to your attention. A Texas man staunchly opposed to vaccination threatens a Maryland doctor with violence. Another man in his 40s falsely claims he paid a friend suffering from COVID to visit a local grocery store and lick produce. An Idaho medical association wages war against one of its own leaders when he publically advocates prescribing Ivermectin to treat COVID. Only in the midst of a pandemic do these events make even a little sense.

EP 75: Fertility Specialist Impregnates Multiple Patients with His Own Sperm and Examines His Own Daughter - 30 Years Later...

Wed, 04 May 2022 12:00:00 -0400

The defendant practiced as a fertility specialist in the 1980s. Several of his patients were told they would receive sperm samples donated by medical students. The lawsuit alleges he skirted this detail, substituting his own sperm. He impregnated multiple women. Flash forward to the late 2010s - a young woman in her 30s is examined by the defendant. This woman is the man's biological daughter. When this woman investigated her own genetic heritage, she learned the truth...

EP 73: Doctor Sexually Assaults Veteran Patient.

Wed, 23 Mar 2022 12:05:00 -0400

The plaintiff is an Iraq war veteran. The doctor was treating injuries he suffered during combat. The doctor is accused of inappropriately touching the patient's genitalia during treatment - and then withholding the patient's prescription unless he allowed the doctor to inappropriately touch him.

The result: A bench trial. The patient received a $1.5 million settlement. It's important we discuss how we can protect ourselves, our colleagues, and our patients from this kind of horrific behavior.

EP 72: Surgeon Vs. Surgeon: Noncompete Violation. Borrowed Prescription Ledger. Messy Lawsuit.

Wed, 09 Mar 2022 12:00:00 -0500

We return to the state of Florida, and its surgeon vs. surgeon. The defendant signed a non-compete contract with his former employer. He allegedly departed the practice and set up shop next door – violating his non-compete agreement.

It gets juicier – the departing surgeon allegedly told patients he still worked for his former employer. He may have also used a prescription ledger from his previous employer. This case is messy. Our podcast has the details…

EP 71: 5 Year-Old Patient. Misdiagnosis. Catastrophic Stroke.

Wed, 09 Feb 2022 13:05:00 -0500

A five-year-old child presented at the ER with difficult symptoms. The child was seen by a physician's assistant - not an MD. The physician's assistant tested the child for strep throat, based on the child's symptoms. The test returned positive. The child was prescribed medication and sent home. A few hours later, the child suffered a massive stroke. The child is now bound to a wheelchair and requires a life-care plan. How did this happen? And what can we learn?

EP 70: Pharmacy Refuses to Fill (Then Confiscates) Valid Opioid Prescription. Lawsuit Ensues.

Wed, 19 Jan 2022 12:00:00 -0500

The patient, who became the plaintiff, suffered from a defective hip replacement. He needed medication to manage his pain. He tried to fill his prescription at a local pharmacy. The pharmacist believed the man was pill-seeking and turned him away.

The patient called his doctor, who told the pharmacist the prescription was legitimate. The pharmacist still refused to fill the order. Worse, they confiscated the man's prescription. Cue opioid withdrawal. What happened?

EP 69: Fewer Malpractice Claims, Safer Medicine, Happier Doctors. We Share Vanderbilt‘s Secret Sauce. (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 27 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Why do certain doctors attract a disproportionate amount of malpractice claims? It’s complicated, but the answers are out there. And with the right data and support, high-risk doctors can identify what puts them at risk and course-correct before there’s a crisis.

Dr. Gerald B. Hickson is the Founding Director of the Center for Patient and Professional Advocacy (CPPA) at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Dr. Hickson and the CPPA have worked tirelessly to support high-risk physicians. Dr. Hickson and his colleagues at Vanderbilt created the CPPA to make medicine kinder, safe, and more reliable for doctors and patients. Preeminent education and research are powerful crisis deterrents.

We spoke to Dr. Hickson at length.

Listeners can learn more about the CPPA by visiting the links below.

Website: https://www.vumc.org/patient-professional-advocacy/vumc-cppa-home

Twitter: VUMC_CPPA

EP 68: Fewer Malpractice Claims, Safer Medicine, Happier Doctors. We Share Vanderbilt‘s Secret Sauce. (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 20 Oct 2021 14:00:00 -0400

Website: https://www.vumc.org/patient-professional-advocacy/vumc-cppa-home

Twitter: VUMC_CPPA

EP 67: How a 21st Century Answering Service Immunizes Practices from a Surprisingly Common Source of Litigation. The After-Hours “He-Said She-Said.”

Fri, 15 Oct 2021 16:00:00 -0400

We cannot count the number of times a doctor has called us and said: “If I only had a recording of my conversation with the patient, my case would have been dropped instantly.” During a medico-legal crisis, solid evidence can save a doctor from a disruptive, expensive, drag-out knock-down lawsuit.

We spoke at length with Dr. Michael Nusbaum, co-founder of MedXCom. MedXCom provides doctors with a simple, reliable, HIPAA-compliant means of storing and retrieving conversations with their patients for 23 years. The technology makes patient-to-doctor communication easier, more secure, and lower-risk. MedXCom is more than just an automated answering service – if you are sued, its technology can save you.

When you are ready to protect your practice and start using MedXCom, please register here: https://medx.com/medjust/

Visit MedXCom to learn more and select your plan today. When you register, please be sure to select Medical Justice under “Are you a member of any of the following Medical Associations?” The Authorization Code is 2021.

EP 66: The Legal Scourge Taking a Bite Out of Doctors: Websites Triggering ADA Lawsuits (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 13 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400

There is a scourge taking a bite out of West Coast physicians. What kind of scourge? A legal scourge. Doctors of all specialties (but especially those in cash-pay specialties) have been targeted by frivolous lawsuits specific to website accessibility and the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). Thankfully, remedies exist. We spoke with Mr. Nick Pujji, of the Dentons Law Firm, at length about this topic. We discuss how doctors can reduce the risk they’ll be sued for frivolous ADA challenges - and what do to in the event they are sued. Mr. Pujji’s wisdom is invaluable - every doctor NEEDS to protect their practice BEFORE they sued. Our podcast has the details.

EP 65: The Legal Scourge Taking a Bite Out of Doctors: Websites Triggering ADA Lawsuits (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 13:00:00 -0400

EP 64: Pregnant Patient + False HIV Diagnosis + Inept Delivery = Trainwreck (Part 3)

Thu, 30 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

In January 2017, a husband and wife applied for life insurance. The wife was pregnant. Part of the application process required them to complete a blood test. The blood test indicated the wife was HIV positive. When this news was delivered to the patient in front of her husband, the patient vomited. When she demanded an explanation, the practice insinuated her husband was participating in an extra-marital affair.

The lab result was ultimately deemed a false positive. The husband and wife sued, the practice, alleging the practice's negligence inflicted undue emotional distress. The lawsuit also stated that even if the woman WAS HIV positive, this information should not have been casually revealed in the presence of her husband. A defense verdict was delivered - meaning the doctor/practice prevailed. What can we learn? Our podcast has the details.

EP 63: ”Hey, Doc - Those Are MY Pictures on YOUR Website.” What Now? Copyright Infringement Defense 101. (Part 2 of 2)

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

Doctors sometimes receive this warning: "Prepare to be sued for copyright infringement." They dismiss these warnings, assuming they are scams. Some of these notices are scams. But many others signal real litigious intent. Minor infringement can add up to an expensive and disruptive payment. It is critical doctors understand how to qualify and de-escalate claims of copyright infringement. We spoke with copyright and intellectual property attorney Steve Vondran at length. He understands these domains viscerally.

EP 62: Pregnant Patient + False HIV Diagnosis + Inept Delivery = Trainwreck (Part 2)

Fri, 24 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

EP 61: ”Hey, Doc - Those Are MY Pictures on YOUR Website.” What Now? Copyright Infringement Defense 101. (Part 1 of 2)

Mon, 20 Sep 2021 13:00:00 -0400

EP 60: Pregnant Patient + False HIV Diagnosis + Inept Delivery = Trainwreck (Part 1)

Fri, 17 Sep 2021 14:05:00 -0400

EP 59: Hypertensive Patient Receives Facelift, Bleeds Post-Op, Sues Surgeon After 18 Day Hospital Stint. Surgeon Prevails. (Part 2 of 2)

Fri, 10 Sep 2021 16:55:37 -0400

A patient approached a plastic surgeon, seeking a facelift. The surgeon evaluated the patient and scheduled the procedure. The patient was on medication for high blood pressure, and the surgeon understood this. After the procedure was finished, the patient began to bleed and was rushed to the hospital. After an 18 day stint in the hospital, the patient sued her surgeon, alleging he failed to anticipate her various post-op complications. The surgeon prevailed (defense verdict), but there are still lessons to be learned.

Our podcast has the details.

EP 58: Hypertensive Patient Receives Facelift, Bleeds Post-Op, Sues Surgeon After 18 Day Hospital Stint. Surgeon Prevails. (Part 1 of 2)

Fri, 03 Sep 2021 16:24:52 -0400

EP 58: An ER Doctor Was Sued. She Survived and is Thriving. Hear Her Story. (Part 2)

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 09:00:00 -0400

Dr. Gita Pensa is an experienced ER physician. In 2007, Dr. Pensa was sued. Dr. Pensa eventually prevailed and is thriving - but it wasn't easy. She went to court in 2011. A defense verdict was delivered - and then overturned in 2015. She prevailed again in 2019, 12 years after the saga began. Dr. Pensa is passionate about teaching other doctors how to survive legal turmoil. In addition to her work as an educator and an ER physician, Dr. Pensa operates her own podcast, Doctors and Litigation: The L Word. Her mission? Teach doctors how to survive malpractice litigation and thrive in the aftermath. We spoke to Dr. Pensa at length. Her insights are invaluable.

Patient Shot in the Back, Advised to Have Surgery, Refuses, then Sues. (Part 2 of 2)

Fri, 27 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

A German tourist was enjoying a drink at a bar located in the southern United States. After a brief argument with another patron, he was shot in the back. Due to the extent of his injuries, surgery was advised. The patient initially refused and demanded to be transferred to a different hospital. He was transferred and the receiving doctor performed 9 surgeries. The patient recovered and sued the first hospital that received him, alleging a delay in treatment worsened his injuries. An interesting way of expressing gratitude.

Our podcast has the details...

EP 56: An ER Doctor Was Sued. She Survived and is Thriving. Hear Her Story. (Part 1)

Wed, 25 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

EP 57: Patient Shot in the Back, Advised to Have Surgery, Refuses, then Sues. (Part 1 of 2)

Fri, 20 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

EP 55: It's All in the Delivery: Breaking Bad News to Patients - How To Do It (Part 2)

Wed, 18 Aug 2021 16:00:00 -0400

No one likes delivering bad news. But delivering bad news is a reality most doctors must navigate every day. Doctors who learn to do it well can carry patients through the most difficult days of their lives. Doctors who do it poorly wreak havoc. Dr. Anthony Orsini, an experienced neonatologist and creator of The Orsini Way, has mastered the art of delivering bad news. We spoke to Dr. Orsini at length. His insights are invaluable. Dr. Orsini hosts his own podcast, Difficult Conversations: Lessons I Learned as an ICU Physician, on his website, The Orsini Way. Contact Dr. Orsini via his website, The Orsini Way, or via email at drorsini@theorsiniway.com.

EP 56: Abandoned Sponge. Amputated Leg. $10.5 Million Settlement.

Fri, 13 Aug 2021 15:01:06 -0400

A large sponge was left inside of a patient's abdomen following a procedure. The routine "lunch sponge count" never took place. The eroding sponge remained undetected for several years until a cascade of health issues put the patient back in the hospital. The patient's leg was soon amputated, and a $10.5 million settlement followed. How did this happen? Our podcast has the details.

EP 54: It's All in the Delivery: Breaking Bad News to Patients - How To Do It (Part 1)

Wed, 11 Aug 2021 16:00:36 -0400

EP 53: Anonymous Major League Pitcher versus Anonymous Surgeon. $5 Million Settlement. Surgeon on Phone in OR.

Fri, 30 Jul 2021 11:05:08 -0400

The plaintiff underwent spine surgery to relieve chronic back pain. In the days following the procedure, the plaintiff's wound began leaking spinal fluid. Investigation revealed a stray shard of bone was the culprit.

The twist: The plaintiff alleged the surgeon was distracted during the procedure, texting his colleagues and booking future cases while operating. But is there more to this story? Our podcast has the details.

EP 52: Padding Test Results. $3 Million Verdict. What Was He Thinking?

Fri, 09 Jul 2021 14:32:39 -0400

A nine-year-old child was referred to a neurologist. The neurologist diagnosed the child with epilepsy and prescribed medication. When the child's condition failed to improve, the mother investigated. She eventually filed a lawsuit, alleging the doctor INTENTIONALLY MISDIAGNOSED her child (and many others) so that he could collect substantial kickbacks from his hospital. We have the details. Here's what doctors need to know.

This episode of our podcast is sponsored by Errin Weisman and her podcast, Doctor Me First. Listen to Doctor Me First on your favorite podcast app, or by visiting her website, https://www.doctormefirst.com/. You can also find Errin and Doctor Me First at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/doctormefirst.

EP 51: Lawsuit Tsunami: Understanding the ADA So YOU Don't Get Sued (Part 2)

Thu, 01 Jul 2021 11:00:07 -0400

Website accessibility lawsuits against medical clinics large and small are exploding. According to one 2020 study, as many as 98% of clinics may be vulnerable to financial loss. It is critical doctors understand the Americans with Disabilities Act. Bill Goren, JD, is THE ADA expert. We spoke with Bill directly - his insights are invaluable. Here's what doctors need to know...

EP 50: Lawsuit Tsunami: Understanding the ADA So YOU Don't Get Sued (Part 1)

Thu, 24 Jun 2021 14:40:02 -0400

EP 49: Hospital Blasted with $80K Penalty for Dragging Its Heels in Releasing Records (Part 2)

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 13:44:22 -0400

Most practices dispense medical records on auto-pilot. A patient requests them, the practice delivers. It’s the law. Most practices do so in a timely manner - but the penalty for dragging your feet was minor. That's changed. In 2019, two entities were blasted with an $80,000 penalty for failing to release these records quickly. Factoring in the cost of attorneys, that number easily inflated to six figures. Here’s how YOU can avoid getting blasted...

EP 48: Hospital Blasted with $80K Penalty for Dragging Its Heels in Releasing Records (Part 1)

Fri, 04 Jun 2021 13:10:48 -0400

EP 47: The New Business Intelligence Platform Changing The Way Aesthetic Practices Do Business

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 16:58:01 -0400

Terri Ross is a world-renowned aesthetic consultant. She understands the business side of medicine viscerally – she’s lived in that world for 15+ years. And as an aesthetic consultant, her financial health is tied directly to the financial health of her clients, so she’s got only one option: See that her clients excel.

Terri and her team at APX examine the overall health of a practice, identify where practices are making money, where they are losing money, and what changes practices must prioritize to grow.

The path to growth is rarely obvious – which is why Terri’s skill set is invaluable. On this episode of our podcast, Terri translates her years of experience into actionable insights every aesthetic practice must-hear.

EP 46: $30 Million Judgment. Patient Deceased. Surgeon Unable to Be in Two Places at Once. (Part 2)

Fri, 21 May 2021 11:40:06 -0400

The defendant surgeon was on-call. A patient with a gunshot wound to the liver was rushed to the hospital. The defendant was in the middle of an elective hernia procedure and could not treat the wounded patient. When the surgeon finished his first elective case, he began another scheduled elective procedure. When contacted by the hospital staff, the surgeon suggested they find someone else to perform the surgery. The injured patient died. The payout? $30 million. How did this happen? Is there more to this story?

EP 45: $30 Million Judgment. Patient Deceased. Surgeon Unable to Be in Two Places at Once. (Part 1)

Fri, 14 May 2021 09:43:06 -0400

This episode explores Part I of this case. Part II will be released soon.

EP 44: A Doctor's Trip to Cyber-Hell and Back: Surviving Ransomware and Data Breaches (Part 2)

Wed, 05 May 2021 15:42:36 -0400

Ransomware is a virtual pandemic. Doctors train their staff to filter suspicious messages and encrypt devices loaded with sensitive information. Despite these precautions, breaches are inevitable. Some cost doctors hundreds of dollars per patient. And breaches almost always impact large volumes of patients. With that in mind, overnight bankruptcy is not an exaggeration. Cyber liability coverage provides a cash cushion, and there are other best practices doctors MUST abide.

EP 43: How Powerhouse Law Firm ByrdAdatto Protects Doctors with NO Hourly Billing (Part 2)

Wed, 28 Apr 2021 16:32:22 -0400

Michael Byrd and Brad Adatto are partners at the ByrdAdatto law firm. Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Dr. Jeff Segal, is also a partner. ByrdAdatto is a legal powerhouse in the healthcare niche. Michael and Brad understand doctors viscerally. Not only because of their training and client-base but because they are children of physicians.

Today, we discuss what doctors need to know to protect themselves from expected and unexpected medico-legal mayhem - and why smart doctors with good intentions still end up in prison.

Every doctor is exposed to different medico-legal risks. The law as it pertains to medicine is rarely black and white. ByrdAdatto guides doctors through the black, the white, and the grey with expert counsel.

And the best part? They do all this with NO hourly billing. Michael Byrd and Brad Adatto host their own podcast – the Legal 123s with ByrdAdatto. Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.

EP 42: How Powerhouse Law Firm ByrdAdatto Protects Doctors with NO Hourly Billing (Part 1)

Wed, 21 Apr 2021 15:30:14 -0400

Michael Byrd and Brad Adatto are partners at the ByrdAdatto law firm. ByrdAdatto is a legal powerhouse in the healthcare niche. Michael and Brad understand doctors viscerally. Not only because of their training and client-base but because they are children of physicians.

Today, we discuss what doctors need to know to protect themselves from expected and unexpected medico-legal mayhem - and why smart doctors with good intentions end up in prison.

And the best part? They do all this with NO hourly billing. This method has made critical legal counsel accessible to more doctors. Michael Byrd and Brad Adatto host their own podcast – the Legal 123s with ByrdAdatto. Listen and subscribe on your favorite podcast platforms like Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, and YouTube.

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This episode is sponsored by Doc2Doc Lending.

Sometimes doctors need quick access to cash. Doc2Doc Lending believes that when debt can be avoided, it should be. They also realize that borrowing is sometimes necessary for doctors to overcome short-term cash issues and improve their long-term financial health.

Doc2Doc Lending was founded by doctors, all of whom started as cash-strapped residents. Doc2Doc Lending exists not only to meet doctors in their moments of need but to do so in a way that appreciates each doctor-borrower as only their fellow physicians can.

Apply for the loan you need with Doc2Doc Lending at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/doc2doc.

EP 41: A Doctor's Trip to Cyber-Hell and Back: Surviving Ransomware and Data Breaches (Part 1)

Thu, 15 Apr 2021 13:36:07 -0400

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This podcast was brought to you by Contract Diagnostics – a company that specializes in contract reviews – and specialization is something we can all appreciate here. When you or your family have contract needs, call them. They’ll help you understand your contract and make sure it lines up with your interests and protect the assets that you covet most – your time and family. Find them at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/contractdiagnostics or by phone at 888-574-5526.

EP 40: Former FBI Hostage Negotiator Teaches Prevention and Treatment of Clinical Violence in YOUR Medical Practice (Part 2)

Wed, 07 Apr 2021 15:06:00 -0400

Don Robinson is a retired FBI crisis negotiator. He knows conflict. The medical practice is no stranger to conflict (or violence), which is why every doctor MUST heed Don's wisdom. He's translated his experiences in counterterrorism, organized crime, and narcotics investigation into an invaluable, trainable skillset for doctors. His goal? Train doctors and their staff in the art of crisis management. Reducing clinical violence by even a modest percentage could save hospitals millions, reduce burnout, and save lives. Violence against healthcare works is an epidemic. Don's skillset is the cure. Listen to the second part of our conversation now.

Visit Don’s website to download his white paper on preventing clinical violence in your medical practice.

Contact Don Robinson:

Website: https://clinicalsecurity.org/

Phone: 1-888-705-1007

Email: info@clinicalsecurity.org

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Before we get into the show, here’s a quick message from MR Insurance – a small business that helps physicians with their disability insurance needs.

Michael L. Relvas, is a CFP professional and insurance agent committed to helping physicians nationwide with their term life and disability insurance needs. He provides an objective, transparent and education-focused process that aims to help physicians make prudent decisions and avoid over-complicating things. He exclusively offers Own-Occupation disability insurance policies for residents, fellows, and attending physicians.

You can find Michael at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/mrinsurance or contact him at 800-817-4522.

EP 39: Former FBI Hostage Negotiator Teaches Prevention and Treatment of Clinical Violence in YOUR Medical Practice (Part 1)

Wed, 31 Mar 2021 13:22:56 -0400

Visit Don’s website to download his white paper on preventing clinical violence in your medical practice.

Contact Don Robinson:

Website: https://clinicalsecurity.org/

Phone: 1-888-705-1007

Email: info@clinicalsecurity.org

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Before we get into the show, here’s a quick message from MR Insurance – a small business that helps physicians with their disability insurance needs.

You can find Michael at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/mrinsurance or contact him at 800-817-4522.

EP 38: Doctor Indicted in Money Laundering Scheme Involving Non-Approved Drugs

Thu, 25 Mar 2021 14:00:34 -0400

Dr. Rahim Shafa and his office manager operated the Novel Psychopharmacology Clinic. They are both 62. And they were both indicted in an international money laundering scheme involving non-approved drugs. They have been accused of purchasing these substances from a vendor outside of the US, taking strategic measures to disguise the substances once they made it stateside. The indictment suggests they had been at it for at least 10 years. What possessed the couple to take such a risk so late into their careers? And what can doctors learn? Here’s what doctors need to know…

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EP 37: Prescribing the Most Regulated Drug in America: Human Growth Hormone and the Law

Wed, 17 Mar 2021 13:13:08 -0400

Human growth hormone is considered the most regulated drug in the United States. Authorized uses are extremely limited - which is why it is critical doctors of all specialties understand when the drug can be prescribed and when it cannot. Doctors specializing in age medicine must pay especially close attention. The legal consequences of getting this wrong are severe. Bodybuilder and internationally recognized “steroid lawyer” Rick Collins, JD, is our guide on this whirlwind tour of this controversial substance. Don’t miss it. Contact Rick Collins by visiting his website (www.steroidlaw.com), via email at rcollins@cgmbesq.com, or by phone at 516-294-0300.

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This episode is sponsored by Physician Financial Services – a business widely recognized in the physician community for disability insurance.

Lawrence B. Keller, CFP, has been in the insurance and financial services industry since 1990. Unlike medicine, which has a standardized path that physicians must take to gain the education, training, and experience requirements necessary to obtain board certification, the insurance and financial services industry does not.

While he might not be a doctor’s first phone call regarding their insurance needs, he is often their last. Find Larry at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/larrykeller.

EP 36: Steroid Lawyer Reveals What Doctors NEED to Know About Prescribing Performance Enhancing Substances. (Part 1)

Wed, 10 Mar 2021 15:26:54 -0500

Rick Collins is a bodybuilder. Rick is also an internationally recognized legal authority in the fields of testosterone, anabolic steroids, and other performance-enhancing substances. He is the original "steroid lawyer."

Doctors prescribe all types of medications, including performance-enhancing medications – assuming they are medically indicated. Doctors who prescribe these medications NEED to understand what the law allows and does not allow. Get this wrong, and you'll burn. Rick Collins is your "fire-fighter."

Contact Rick Collins by visiting his website (www.steroidlaw.com), via email at rcollins@cgmbesq.com, or by phone at 516-294-0300.

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Before we dive into today’s episode, a brief message from our sponsor. MedEvolve can give you insights into your practice’s financial performance and outcomes. MedEvolve helps doctors answer important revenue questions such as:

Where am I losing money and why?

What is the value of my AR?
When will I get paid?
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The right analytics solution tells an easy-to-understand story. And an easy-to-understand story translates into revenue for your practice and a healthy balance sheet.

MedEvolve’s power analytics give you the answers you need to act. Start making healthcare business decisions based on data. MedEvolve helps physician practices reduce their cost to collect and increase efficiency with data-driven technology.

To have this great company help you work smarter, reduce your cost to collect and get paid on time, find them at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/medevolve

EP 35: Doctor Murders Doctor: The Bloody History of Medical Licensing in the US (Part II)

Thu, 04 Mar 2021 11:13:23 -0500

These men were like father and son - until an organized effort to regulate the practice of medicine drove one doctor to murder the other. Most of us can't imagine a world where the practice of medicine in the US is unregulated. But until the late 1800s, that was the American reality. Professor James Mohr, the author of the fascinating book, Licensed to Practice: The Supreme Court Defines the American Medical Profession, takes us on a wild two-part ride through the past no doctor should miss. Our podcast has the details...

This episode is sponsored by Resolve, they believe that knowledge is power for physicians. And that power gives you control over your financial future. Resolve believes that by mining, analyzing, and synthesizing data, they can provide you with the information and insight that empowers you to diagnose the health of your career, fully understand your worth and maximize your full potential.

As a company founded by a doctor, for doctors, Resolve’s focus is on the wellbeing of those whose purpose in life is to care for the wellbeing of others.

To have this incredible company review your employment contract, find them at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/resolve

EP 34: The Surgeon Who Appeared in Traffic Court by Zoom During Surgery. Hear the Real Story. From Him.

Wed, 03 Mar 2021 16:55:05 -0500

Dr. Scott Green is a talented plastic surgeon trapped in a 21st-century media storm. Dr. Green received a traffic ticket. Because of COVID restrictions, he appeared in traffic court via Zoom after successfully completing the salient portion of his patient’s surgery. His fellow was closing. A faulty Zoom connection created a false narrative that Dr. Green was careless and cavalier. This judgment is both false and unfair.

How do we know? We spoke to Dr. Green ourselves. Every doctor needs to hear his side of the story. Why? What happened to him could happen to any of us. Listen to his story…

EP 33: Doctor Murders Doctor: The Bloody History of Medical Licensing in the US (Part I)

Wed, 24 Feb 2021 14:18:45 -0500

EP 32: Med Spas: Cash Cow, or Multi-Billion Dollar Landmine? (Part II)

Wed, 17 Feb 2021 14:48:32 -0500

We resume our roller-coaster discussion with Alex Thiersch, JD, Founder and CEO of the American Medical Spa Association. Here’s the reality: Many highly skilled and well-intentioned doctors working in or operating medical spas are slammed for medico-legal oversights. We identity the legal challenges that are closing doors and reveal what actions doctors can take today to neutralize the worst outcomes.

If you work in, currently operate, or are considering opening a med spa, this podcast is a must-listen...

EP 31: Med Spas: Cash Cows, or Multi-Million Dollar Landmines? (Part I)

Wed, 10 Feb 2021 14:06:08 -0500

What do you do when you see a massive, multi-billion-dollar industry developing right before your eyes - only to find out it is largely operating illegally? If you are Alex Thiersch, JD, Founder and CEO of the American Medical Spa Association, you jump into that space and start working out the regulatory pathways required to make that multi-billion-dollar industry operate safely, profitably, and legally.

Many doctors working in or operating med spas are getting thrashed due to legal oversights. Here's what doctors need to know to protect their practices...

This episode was sponsored by Contract Diagnostics. Contract Diagnostics is a firm that is 100% dedicated to physician contract reviews. They provide a service that all physician families will need at least one time in their careers. They’ve helped over 10,000 physicians understand not only what they are signing, but what risks they are taking for their family.

All contracts are reviewed by an in-house attorney and presented in a simplified way back to you. All packages are flat priced so you know what you will pay upfront – residents and fellows can even make interest free payments over time.

So, look them up at doctorpodcastnetwork.com/contractdiagnostics or call 888-574-5526.

EP 30: Las Vegas Couple Makes Killing Billing the Dead for Bullsh** Medicaid Expenses

Wed, 03 Feb 2021 10:10:27 -0500

Dead men tell no tales - so they can't report you to the federal authorities for money laundering and Medicaid fraud. Before ultimately getting caught, this couple used their ill-gotten gains to finance a penthouse condo, a sports car, a cellar packed with fine wine, and a private jet. How the hell did they pull this off? How did they get caught? And what lessons can doctors learn from this kind of criminal activity? Our podcast has the details. Don’t miss it.

This episode of the Medical Liability Minute is sponsored by Dr. Phil Boucher, creator of "On Time MD", a time-management course designed to help doctors better manage their time in and out of the office.

"On Time MD" teaches physicians critical time management strategies tailored specifically for the unique demands physicians face.

Join today and save 15% by using the code 2021 at checkout. You also get a money-back guarantee if you don’t reclaim 3 hours a week in the first 2 months. Now is your chance to join "On Time MD" and reclaim your time for good.

Go to www.doctorpodcastnetwork.com/ontimemd to get started.

EP 29: When Hannibal Lecter is Your Patient

Wed, 27 Jan 2021 09:34:54 -0500

A violent criminal was pursued by police. Backed into a corner, the criminal killed the advancing canine unit and jumped from a building. He was severely injured in the fall and treated at a local hospital. There, the criminal became a patient. He was monitored by a female guard. He was left unrestrained and attempted to escape, stabbing the guard with a shank. The result? Lots of blood. And a negligence case. Really.

Why was this patient not restrained? How much liability falls on the shoulders of the hospital? The patient (criminal)? The guard? This case is a fascinating, violent mess. Here's what doctors need to know...

EP 28: Armed Conflicts in the Practice, Violent Threats, and Suicide Prevention - Former FBI Agent and Police Sergeant Teach Doctors How to Prevent the Worst. (Part 2 of 2)

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 16:20:33 -0500

We continue our two-part discussion with Kathy Leodler (former FBI) and Paul Leodler (former police sergeant) of the Rampart Group.

Concealed weapons in the medical practice - where to begin? Is it possible to balance the protection firearms provide with the risks they create? And how should doctors react when a patient (or employee) with a history of extreme behavior (and a sizeable gun collection) threatens violence - or suicide? Most patient interactions are conflict free. But not all of them. Some can be deadly. And if it is predictable, it's often preventable.

Before we get into the show, here’s a quick message from Resolve - a physician contract review company.

At Resolve, they believe that knowledge is power for physicians. And that power gives you control over your financial future.

Resolve believes that by mining, analyzing and synthesizing data, they can provide you with the information and insight that empowers you to diagnose the health of your career, fully understand your worth and maximize your full potential.

As a company founded by a doctor, for doctors, Resolve’s focus is on the wellbeing of those whose purpose in life is to care for the wellbeing of others.

To have this incredible company review your employment contract, find them at www.doctorpodcastnetwork.com/resolve.

EP 27: Violent Patient or Employee? Active Shooter? Former FBI Agent and Police Sergeant Teach Doctors How to Prevent the Worst. (Part 1 of 2)

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 14:30:43 -0500

Kathy and Paul Leodler run the Rampart Group, a security consulting and investigations company. Kathy Leodler is a former FBI agent who retired after a distinguished 23-year career. Paul Leodler served in local law enforcement for 16 years and has over 40 years security and investigative experience.

They have assisted many doctors. They’ve seen it all. Angry patients. Family members who are exploding - metaphorically. Employees who want the practice to know who’s the “real boss.” They understand security at the highest level – including security nuisances to crises specific to medical practices. Most patient interactions are conflict free - but not all. Some can be deadly. Preparation is key. Here's what doctors must know...

EP 26: Patient Blinded and Doctor Blind-sided by Referral Gone Bad. Who's to Blame?

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:44:42 -0500

An ophthalmologist determined his patient required the attention of a niche specialist. Fortunately, such a qualified specialist practiced next door (literally). Flash forward: The patient was rendered partially blind. And the cherry on top? The specialist next door did not take the patient's insurance. A suit resulted.

Questions abound: How much research is the doctor obligated to perform prior to referring a patient? How can doctors reduce risk to themselves (and their patients) when making a referral? And what are the chances this could happen to you?

This episode of the Medical Liability Minute is sponsored by Physician Wealth Services. Physician Wealth Services is a fee-only financial planning firm devoted to the financial well-being of physicians.

Ryan Inman, founder of PWS and creator and host of the Financial Residency Podcast, developed a sense of responsibility to help physicians with their financial goals after witnessing how vulnerable his wife was to poor financial advice during her residency.

He was shocked at how many advisors tried to take advantage of her and her peers.

Ryan started PWS as a fee-only practice so he could work exclusively with physicians who could benefit from unbiased, quality financial advice.

Working with Ryan is simple and transparent. There are no assets under management fees, no products being sold, or commissions being paid out. Everything is included for a flat monthly fee. The way it should be.

To work with Ryan so that you can feel more in control of your money, contact him and his team at www.doctor podcastnetwork.com/physicianwealth

EP 25: Surgeon Slammed by NFL Star. When Celebrity Patients Sue Doctors.

Fri, 18 Dec 2020 12:00:00 -0500

An orthopedic surgeon was on board to operate on an NFL star athlete. When the athlete experienced a bad outcome, he blamed the surgeon for prematurely ending his career. When a patient's lost earning potential can be measured in the tens of millions, how can doctors protect themselves from catastrophic settlements?

Most doctors would jump at the chance to operate on someone famous. But star-power can cut.

Here’s what doctors must keep in mind when caring for celebrity patients…

EP 24: A Storm is Brewing in the Med-Mal World

Fri, 18 Sep 2020 16:35:49 -0400

A storm is brewing in the med mal world – and one of the best professionals to educate us on the gathering clouds is Teddy Gillen. Who is he? Teddy is a principal at EPIC Insurance Brokers & Consultants. He’s been in the med-mal space his entire career. He has a gift for turning medical malpractice insurance, a subject most perceive as dry and dreary, into a whirlwind narrative that is fascinating and informative. Doctors frequently call us after a crisis has hit. If you spend even a modest amount of time with us today, you’ll walk away with wisdom that will help guard you against the worst med-mal outcomes.

The malpractice landscape is changing. Here’s what doctors must know...

EP 23: America's Leading Voice on COVID Speaks from the Frontline.

Fri, 14 Aug 2020 16:25:04 -0400

Dr. Roger Seheult is arguably America’s leading voice on COVID-19. He is a pulmonary and critical care doctor treating COVID-19 patients on a daily basis. His website, MedCram, has released over 100 videos on COVID-19. His YouTube channel has over 800,000 subscribers. MedCram’s content has been cited regularly as one of the most credible and accurate sources of COVID information available.

We spoke with Dr. Seheult about his experiences caring for patients on the frontline. And we discuss it all – victories, setbacks, emerging vaccine candidates, and potential treatment options. His insights are invaluable.

EP 22: E.R. Doc Sued After Dousing Patient's Laceration with Pesticide. Who's to Blame?

Fri, 31 Jul 2020 15:56:17 -0400

A patient was rushed to the E.R. after a lawnmower lacerated his forearm. Sitting on the counter was a product called CaviCide. What's CaviCide? An industrial strength pesticide. Absolutely not for human use. Which, of course, is precisely why the attending physician and his nurse sprayed it repeatedly into the patient’s gaping wound.

How did this happen? Why was an industrial strength pesticide present in the treatment room? And why did the jury deliver a defense verdict? It's a complicated case. Let's dive in...

EP 21: Missiles in the OR. Patient's Eyeball Pierced by Flying Needle. Who's to Blame?

Fri, 26 Jun 2020 16:23:34 -0400

A 30-gauge needle pierced a patient's eyeball during an elective procedure. The doctor advised the patient all was well and sent her home. She returned a short time later with rapidly deteriorating vision. She was ultimately rendered blind in that eye. Was the surgeon at fault? Or was his scrub tech to blame? It's a complex case.

EP 20: Every State Determines Brain Death Differently. Really.

Fri, 29 May 2020 16:56:59 -0400

What does it mean to be dead? You’d think the answer to that question is binary. You are, or you are not dead. But the fact is every state in the US determines death differently. And when it comes to brain death specifically, the subtle differences can have major consequences for doctors, patients, and their families. This was a challenge before COVID-19. The pandemic has underscored the already urgent need to reconcile these differences as soon as possible.

On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, discusses brain death with Thaddeus Pope, JD, PhD. Professor Pope is one of the world’s leading experts on medical law and clinical ethics. Brain death and brain death legislation are among his specialties. If you’ve spent even a modest amount of time researching the subject, you have likely read his work. We are privileged to have Professor Pope as our guest on this episode of the Medical Liability Minute.

EP 19: Asset Protection and Wealth Creation for Doctors – Protect Your Nest Egg from COVID-19 with Medical Justice and the OJM Group

Mon, 06 Apr 2020 16:09:53 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world on its head – both in terms of our health and our finances. On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute podcast, Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, discusses asset protection strategies for doctors with David Mandell, JD, MBA, partner at the OJM Group. The objective? Help doctors protect their nest eggs during these turbulent times.

To get their books Wealth Planning for the Modern Physician - Residency to Retirement and Wealth Management Made Simple for free (along with many others), text the code mjpod to 555-888 or visit the OJM Group's online bookstore and use the code mjpod at checkout.

David Mandell is a partner at the OJM Group, a multi-disciplinary wealth management firm. What distinguishes them? Their focus on physicians. The OJM Group has worked with over 1500 physician clients in 48 states. David Mandell is an author and renowned authority in the fields of asset protection and general wealth management. We are privileged to have him as our guest on this episode of our podcast.

EP 18: Protecting Your Nest Egg Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preview)

Tue, 31 Mar 2020 11:43:47 -0400

The COVID-19 pandemic has turned our world on its head - both in terms of our health and our finances. On this (preview) episode of the Medical Liability Minute podcast, Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, discusses asset protection strategies for doctors with David Mandell, JD, MBA. The objective? Help doctors protect their nest eggs during these turbulent times.

EP 17: Family Practitioner Treats Patient for Depression While Sleeping With His Wife on the Side

Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:30:00 -0500

It is not uncommon for patients to develop romantic feelings for their caregivers. Managing these emotions is critical. When these emotions are mismanaged, bad outcomes often result.

A family practice doctor was treating a husband and his wife for an assortment of challenges. To make a long story short - the patient's wife (who was also the doctor's patient) fell in love with him.

Did this development resolve healthfully? If it did, we wouldn't be discussing it. What can we learn? Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 16: A Prescription for Humanity in Medicine | Featuring Dr. Joseph Stern and Dr. Jeff Segal

Fri, 31 Jan 2020 16:30:00 -0500

Neurosurgeons (and surgeons in general) have a reputation for being cold. Deserved or not, the stereotype has stuck. Dr. Joseph Stern argues embracing humanity in medicine is the key to combating burnout and improving patient outcomes. He speaks from his own experiences and makes compelling arguments.

We are privileged to have him as our guest on this episode of the Medical Liability Minute. Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 15: Combating Sexual Harassment in Healthcare: Protecting Your Employees, Your Patients, and Yourself

Fri, 27 Dec 2019 16:30:00 -0500

It is often said you should not marry business with pleasure. For those live by that rule – rest assured, this case will reinforce your lifestyle. For those that don’t – we apologize. We’re delivering some bad news.

On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, and Medical Justice General Counsel, Michael Sacopulos, JD, discuss medico-legal liability and sex. Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 14: How to Have Your Day in Court and Keep Your Nest Egg | Top Med-Mal Defense Measures with Super Lawyer Chris Schulte, JD

Fri, 29 Nov 2019 15:30:00 -0500

Let's pretend you're on trial for malpractice. The jury delivers a runaway verdict - a 5 million dollar judgement. You have a 1 million dollar malpractice policy. You could be on the hook for the 4 million dollar difference - but because you and the plaintiff agreed to invoke a certain kind of agreement, your nest egg is untouched. And you get to keep your house.

What is this agreement? And what other key strategies can doctors invoke to protect their interests before, during, and after a trial?

Listen to this episode of the Medical Liability Minute to find out. Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 13: What Doctors Get Wrong About Med-Mal Litigation | A Deep Dive with Florida Super Lawyer Chris Schulte, JD

Fri, 01 Nov 2019 14:00:00 -0400

On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Medical Justice Founder and CEO, Jeff Segal, MD, JD, and Florida Super Lawyer, Chris Schulte, JD, discuss what most doctors get wrong about medical malpractice litigation – and what they can do to increase the chances they’ll get their case dismissed or prevail in court.

Chris Schulte is a seasoned medical malpractice attorney from Tampa, Florida. We are privileged to have him as our guest on this episode of the Medical Liability Minute. Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 12: A Doctor’s Greatest Nightmare. Indictment. Prison. Then the Road to Redemption.

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 15:57:14 -0400

Dr. Roy Shelburne was, by all accounts, living the dream. He was leading a successful dental practice. He was providing high-quality care to patients who otherwise would’ve gone without. And he was serving a community of friends and family.

In 2003, the FBI kicked down his door. Over the next few years, his every word was scrutinized. A few years later, he was indicted and found guilty of healthcare fraud, racketeering, money laundering, etc.

Now he teaches others how to avoid fatal mistakes. We are privileged to have him as our guest on this episode of the Medical Liability Minute. Visit our website to read this episode's transcript.

EP 11: Direct Primary Care and Dr. Josh Umbehr - Making Primary Care Cool Again with Atlas MD

Fri, 02 Aug 2019 16:30:41 -0400

Dr. Josh Umbehr is a leader in the DPC (Direct Primary Care) movement. Briefly defined – it is prepaid primary care. And it is revolutionizing primary care across the country.

On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Dr. Umbehr and Dr. Segal discuss the potential of direct primary care, the origins of Dr. Umbehr’s interest in the space, and how direct primary care influences outcomes, insurance expenditures, and interactions with patients. In our opinion, Dr. Umbehr and his colleagues are making primary care cool again – to the benefit of both doctors and patients.

EP 10: Prescribing Peace of Mind | Asset Protection for Physicians

Fri, 12 Jul 2019 15:45:00 -0400

Physicians spend their careers caring for patients and providing for their families. But how often do we stop to protect what we've worked hard to earn? On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Jeff Segal, MD, JD discusses asset protection with Ike Devji, JD. Mr. Devji is one of the country’s leading authorities on asset protection strategies for physicians…

EP 9: Gadolinium Deposition Disease: The Litigation Tsunami No One Sees Coming

Fri, 28 Jun 2019 16:54:53 -0400

There’s a litigation tsunami on the horizon. If you order any MR imaging studies, you will want to hear more. Including how to mitigate the risk. Gadolinium is a contrast agent. Each year, about 30 million MR scans are performed. 1/3rd use contrast.

The newly described diagnosis is called Gadolinium Deposition Disease. It was described only recently in clinical journals. Even today, the diagnosis is controversial.

But, the lawsuits have started.

First up, lawsuits against manufacturers/distributors of gadolinium contrast agents. Chuck Norris (and his wife) are some of the plaintiffs. These are being propelled in MultiDistrict Litigation (MDL) by a small number of attorneys.

For those attorneys left out, they are starting to target healthcare systems, radiologists, and doctors who ordered such studies.

On this episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Dr. Segal interviews Dr. Benjamin Harvey, Director of Quality Improvement, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School.

Learn about Gadolinium Deposition Disease. Is it real? Is it just litigation theatre? If you order even one MR with contrast, learn how to mitigate the legal risk of being caught in the snare.

EP 8: Missing Toes & Shotgun Lawsuits - Why Throwing Colleagues Under the Bus Never Pays

Fri, 19 Apr 2019 16:30:00 -0400

The subject of this week's podcast is a podiatrist. The podiatrist was scheduled to treat a patient suffering from a fungal infection in his toenails. The problem - the patient didn't have any toes...

EP 7: Trolling for Litigation - Why Staff Chaperones Will Save Your Skin

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 16:15:00 -0400

If a patient's reported symptoms are grossly incongruent with your objective examinations, you might be looking at a red flag. Such was situation the subject of our podcast found himself navigating. The patient (female) alleged the doctor's examination was so brutal, it aggravated her existing condition. The patient's husband, who claimed to have been in the exam room at the same time, verified this was true. But the physician's employee, who was also present during the examination, told a different story. Jeff and Mike discuss...

EP 6: Consent Vs. Informed Consent - How Should Doctors Expose Patients to Risk?

Fri, 05 Apr 2019 16:30:00 -0400

If surgeons told their patients everything that could go wrong during a procedure, only the most courageous would consent to an operation. That said, doctors must set appropriate expectations. These conversations are memorialized in consent forms. Patients must have an adequate understanding of the risks.

But even after a doctor obtains a patient's consent to perform a procedure, some patients allege they did not comprehend the nature of the operation. These outbursts typically accompany bad outcomes. What is the difference between consent and informed consent? And what is the optimal way for doctors to communicate the level of risk to their patients?

EP 5: Belly Dancer Sues Belly Dancer - What to Do When a Patient's Family Perpetuates a Frivolous Lawsuit

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 16:00:00 -0400

Patients aren't always the party responsible for perpetuating a frivolous claim. Sometimes the patient is perfectly happy with the care you've rendered - it's his family that wants to pick the fight. Such circumstances require the patient to declare loyalty to one side or the other. Spoiler alert - his doctor rarely come out on top. But there are steps doctors can take to diffuse these delicate situations before sparks start to fly...

EP 4: Patients Bamboozled by Big Bills: How Much Care is Too Much Care?

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 16:30:00 -0400

Malpractice accusations fly when patients feel they're denied the standard of care. In an attempt to douse firecrackers, some doctors prescribe superfluous tests. The purpose of these tests is to alleviate anxiety. But whatever good-will they facilitate is dashed when the patient receives his bill. On top of that, these tests generate unnecessary costs while providing little or no insight into the patient's health.

Doctors know even menial tests present a small amount of risk to the patient. And if the amount of menial tests performed is not menial, then neither is the level of risk. On this week's episode of the Medical Liability Minute, Jeff and Mike dig into all that can (and will) go wrong when patients are subjected to unnecessary testing...

EP 3: Avoiding Bad Outcomes When Selecting Interpreters for Deaf Patients

Fri, 15 Mar 2019 05:45:00 -0400

Deaf patients require interpreters fluent in sign language. Federal law mandates you provide one. The defendant in today's episode provided his deaf patient with someone beyond adept in sign language - a member of his staff who happened to be the mother of a deaf child. And yet - when treatment ended, a lawsuit was served. It alleged the patient was not provided with a qualified interpreter and experienced a sub-optimal outcome as a result.

Could anything have been done to avoid this end? Jeff and Mike discuss...

EP 2: Fueled by Fear: Why Scared Patients Will Always Find an Attorney

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 08:30:00 -0500

Meritless malpractice cases are propelled by a cocktail of emotions. The exact recipe varies. Most frivolous cases are products of greed, spite, and misinformation. Physicians must not underestimate the role fear plays in such cases. Scared patients and predatory attorneys are drawn together like magnets. The 2012 New England Compounding Center meningitis outbreak created a lot of scared patients. And numerous malpractice claims. Not every claim was warranted, though. Today, Jeff and Mike dissect two such malpractice claims that were inspired by fear, not medical neglect. How can physicians protect themselves from "trigger-happy" patients during such outbreaks? And what can physicians do to assuage a patient's fears?

EP 1: From Vietnamese Re-Education Camp to Med Mal Courtroom

Fri, 15 Feb 2019 11:43:30 -0500

In our debut episode, Jeff and Mike discuss an important topic: How to navigate the fallout that inevitably follows the death of a patient. A patient's death can conjure "long lost relatives", along with their attorneys. Experience has taught us if they smell blood in the water, they'll bite. What can physicians do to protect themselves from family members who want to pursue frivolous litigation?

Opening and closing music written and produced by Grammy award winning artists: Lili Haydn and Itai Disraeli (performed by The Service Cats).