Author: Samuel Chun

The healthcare industry offers a variety of diverse professions with differing responsibilities and skill sets. Today, we will focus on understanding the difference between a physician associate and a doctor. We will analyze their respective education and training requirements, job responsibilities, salary, risk assessment, opportunities for advancement, and pros and cons.

Overview of Physician Associates and Doctors

Physician associates (PAs), also known as physician assistants, and doctors share some commonalities. Both healthcare professionals treat, diagnose, and manage illnesses or injuries. However, the scope of practice, training, and patient care responsibilities vary between the two positions.

Education Requirements for Doctors vs. Physician Associates

Becoming a doctor requires extensive education and training. After a four-year undergraduate degree, prospective doctors must complete four years of medical school followed by a residency, which can take between three-to-seven years, based on the specialization. Some doctors may choose to undergo additional sub-specialty training called fellowship programs.

On the other hand, becoming a physician associate involves obtaining a four-year undergraduate degree and completing a master’s degree in a physician associate program, which takes about two or three years.

Differences in Job Responsibilities

Doctors hold greater autonomy and authority in the medical field. They can diagnose and treat complex medical conditions, prescribe medications, and perform surgeries. Physicians are also responsible for creating and managing a patient’s comprehensive treatment plan.

Physician associates primarily work under a doctor’s supervision, although they have the authority to diagnose and treat patients based on state regulations. PAs can also prescribe medications, assist with surgeries, and perform routine medical procedures.

Salary and Compensation Differences

Salary-wise, doctors typically have a higher income than physician associates, as it directly correlates with their education, expertise, and responsibilities. However, physician associates also earn competitive salaries, considering the shorter duration of their education and training.

Risk Assessment for Each Position

Due to the difference in responsibilities and decision-making autonomy, doctors face a higher risk of malpractice lawsuits than physician associates. Doctors are typically the focus of malpractice lawsuits as they head a patient’s treatment plan, while lawsuits rarely target PAs individually.

Opportunities for Advancement and Specialization

Both doctors and physician associates have ample opportunities for advancement and specialization. Doctors can choose from fields such as internal medicine, surgery, pediatrics, and psychiatry. Likewise, physician associates can also focus on specialties like orthopedics, dermatology, and emergency medicine.

Pros and Cons of Being a Doctor vs. a Physician Associate

The Pros of Being a Doctor

Doctors can significantly impact people’s lives by helping them with their medical needs. They also have the autonomy and authority to make complex medical decisions, which can be rewarding. Doctors often have higher salaries and more opportunities for career advancement.

The Cons of Being a Doctor

On the other hand, being a doctor has some potential downsides. The lengthy education and training period can be physically, mentally, and financially draining. Additionally, due to the high-stakes nature of their work, doctors face a greater risk of malpractice lawsuits than physician associates. This high-pressure job can also lead to a demanding work schedule with long hours and high stress levels.

The Pros of Being a Physician Associate

A physician associate’s role also has pros and cons. On the positive side, PAs have a shorter education and training period compared to doctors, making it a more accessible career path for those looking to enter the healthcare field. PAs also earn competitive salaries and enjoy increasing demand in the industry.

The Cons of Being a Physician Associate

However, PAs have less autonomy in decision-making than doctors, which can be frustrating for those seeking greater responsibility and authority in their work. The scope of practice for PAs is also more narrow, meaning they may be unable to treat complex medical cases or perform certain procedures. This can be a barrier for those looking to specialize in a particular field or advance to higher positions within the healthcare industry.

Tips on Choosing the Right Career Path for You

Consider the Commitment to Education and Training

Choosing between becoming a doctor or a physician associate position requires careful consideration of your commitment to education and training. Becoming a doctor involves several years of schooling, residency, and potentially additional fellowship programs, which require incredible commitment and focus. On the other hand, becoming a physician associate requires less time in school but still involves completing a master’s degree program and obtaining a license, which can also require a significant investment of time and resources.

Weigh Your Career Priorities (Work-Life Balance, Salary, & Job Satisfaction)

Before deciding on a career path, assessing your priorities and goals is important. Work-life balance may be a top priority for some, while salary or job satisfaction may hold greater importance for others. Understanding what you value most in a career can help guide your decision between becoming a doctor or a physician associate. Also, consider the potential long-term effects of your chosen career path, such as the physical and emotional demands, potential for burnout, and overall job satisfaction.

Reach Out to Professional Physician Associates and Doctors

Consider reaching out to professional physician associates and doctors before deciding. Asking them questions about their education, training, job responsibilities, and overall satisfaction with their chosen profession can provide valuable insights into working in each role. Shadowing a doctor or PA can give you first-hand experience and a better understanding of their responsibilities and challenges.

Speak With Mentors, Advisors, and Family for Advice

Speaking with mentors, advisors, and family members can also provide valuable advice when deciding between becoming a doctor or a physician associate. These individuals can offer different perspectives based on their experiences and may have insight into your strengths and interests to help guide your decision. Friends, family, and colleagues can provide support as you navigate the challenging education and training requirements of either profession.

Stay Protected With Baxter & Associates

Understanding the differences between a doctor and a physician associate—regarding education, job responsibilities, salary, risk assessment, and opportunities for advancement—is vital. Protecting yourself with medical malpractice liability insurance from Baxter & Associates is crucial, whichever path you choose. Having the necessary coverage to safeguard your career and financial future as a healthcare professional is important. Contact us today to learn more about our insurance options for doctors and physician associates.

As a medical professional in the administration or billing department, it is crucial to ensure you have the right malpractice insurance to protect yourself and your practice. Choosing an individual or group insurance policy is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make, but what’s the difference between the two? We answer that question and more in our comparison of group and individual liability policies below.

Understand the Basics of Group and Individual Malpractice Insurance

Individual malpractice insurance provides coverage specific to an individual healthcare provider. In comparison, group malpractice insurance covers all the providers in a practice or organization under one umbrella policy. Both types of coverage offer protection against medical malpractice claims but differ in a few key aspects, which we will delve into below.

Comparing Costs and Coverage for Group vs. Individual Malpractice Insurance

A significant difference exists between individual and group policies when one considers the cost of medical malpractice insurance. Individual policies tend to be more expensive because they meet the specific needs of one healthcare provider. On the other hand, group policies offer a shared risk, which can reduce overall costs for each healthcare provider.

Additionally, with group coverage, providers may access higher liability limits, as multiple individuals cover the total cost. However, it is essential to note that individual policies allow for customization and can provide more comprehensive coverage for specific needs.

The Pros of Individual Malpractice Insurance

Tailored Coverage

Individual malpractice insurance allows for customized coverage based on the specific needs of a healthcare provider. So, individual policies allow you to choose your policy limits and coverage options to suit your practice and specialties best. With individual policies, you have more control over the protection you receive.

Individual Flexibility

An individual policy does not tie your coverage to a specific practice or organization. Your malpractice insurance will still cover you if you decide to change jobs or start an independent practice. You also have the option to add additional coverage for moonlighting or other part-time work without having to rely on group coverage.

Continuity of Coverage

Along with the flexibility of individual coverage, there’s much greater continuity with individual policies than with group ones. With group policies, there’s greater flux and more changes as members come and go, necessitating changes in the policy if needed.

The Cons of Individual Malpractice Insurance

Higher Premiums

While individual malpractice insurance offers more tailored and flexible coverage, it often comes at a higher cost. Since the entire policy focuses on one healthcare provider, premiums tend to be more expensive than group policies. This cost can be a significant financial burden, especially for solo practitioners or those just starting their careers.

Limited Risk Pool

With individual coverage, the risk is solely on one provider. You may be responsible for covering all costs and damages if someone files a claim against you. In contrast, multiple providers under a group policy share the risk, making it more manageable in case of a claim.

The Pros of Group Malpractice Insurance

Discounts for Larger Groups

The potential for discounts is one of the most significant advantages of group malpractice insurance. As a larger group, multiple providers spread the total risk among themselves, which can result in lower premiums for everyone. This discount makes group insurance an attractive option for practices with several healthcare providers.

Increased Coverage Limits

Group malpractice insurance policies generally have higher coverage limits compared to individual policies. This higher coverage is a result of multiple providers sharing the total liability. Larger coverage limits mean a bigger safety net for the individuals in the policy and greater peace of mind.

Sharing Risk

As previously stated, sharing the risks among multiple healthcare providers is one of the benefits of group insurance. Each provider is responsible for their portion of the premium, and any claims are also split among all members. This equal sharing can provide financial protection and stability for individuals in case of a claim.

The Cons of Group Malpractice Insurance

Loss of Independence

The potential loss of independence is one of the main drawbacks of group malpractice insurance. With a group policy, one policy covers all providers, which means you may not have as much control over your coverage and limits as you would with an individual policy. Some employers require employees to join their group insurance policy, which means forgoing any ability to find individual coverage.

Limited Coverage Options

Group policies often have more limited coverage options than individual policies, as they must cover the entire group’s needs rather than an individual’s needs. Therefore, some providers may not have as many coverage options as they desire.

Assessing Your Personal Needs To Find the Best Plan

Assessing your personal needs and considering the pros and cons of each option is important when deciding between an individual or group malpractice insurance policy. An individual policy may provide more tailored protection for healthcare providers in an independent practice or those with specific coverage needs. However, a group policy may offer cost savings and higher coverage limits for larger practices and organizations.

Costs Associated With Both Types of Insurance

In addition to premiums, individual and group malpractice insurance comes with other, additional costs. With individual coverage, providers may need to cover the cost of tail coverage if they leave their practice or retire. This extended reporting period protects acts committed while the policy was active but reported after it ended.

On the other hand, with group coverage, there may be additional costs for adding new providers to the policy. It is important to factor in all potential costs when comparing the two types of insurance.

Questions To Ask Before Signing Up for a Policy

Before choosing between an individual or group malpractice insurance policy, it is important to ask the following questions to understand your coverage options fully:

What are the liability limits, and how much coverage do I need?

Are there any specific coverage options for my specialties or practice needs?

Does the policy cover me for part-time work or moonlighting?

What is the process for adding new providers to the policy?

Are there any additional costs associated with the policy, such as tail coverage?

You can make an informed decision when choosing between individual and group malpractice insurance by asking these questions and carefully considering your needs.

Find Affordable and Comprehensive Group Insurance at Baxter & Associates

We hope you fully understand the differences between individual and group malpractice insurance. Baxter & Associates can help if you think you’d benefit more from a group policy! At Baxter & Associates, we offer the best group medical malpractice insurance options. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, addressing your unique needs and concerns. Contact us today to learn more about our group insurance solutions and how they can provide the protection and peace of mind you deserve.

Patient instruction before a procedure is crucial for the patient and the healthcare provider. Below, we offer some helpful tips on educating patients about their procedures to ensure they fully understand the information they must know.

Consider Communication Barriers

First, you should consider communication problems between yourself and your patient due to language, culture, and physical or cognitive impairments. If the patient is visually impaired, you’ll have to communicate more verbally; if the patient is cognitively impaired, you’ll likely have to be more persistent with your instruction. Having a plan that considers the patient’s communication barriers will help you start on the right track.

Keep It Simple

A good first tip when educating patients about their procedures is to keep it simple. You obviously want to be thorough in the instructions, but you don’t want to overload and confuse the patient. Remember that while the terminology and abbreviations of medical lingo may be second nature to you, they’re likely unknown to the patient. The patient is also likely stressed from being in the hospital and having an upcoming procedure. Therefore, use simple terms and words to get the message across and give details in bite-sized pieces.

Include Family and Friends

If the patient has family and friends with them, include them in the instruction and health care management. If the patient cannot care for themselves due to ailments, close family and friends will need instruction for health care management. They can also offer questions the patient may not think of at the moment, and they know how the patient learns best and can help explain the information in a way they would best understand.

Use the Teach-Back Method

The teach-back method involves asking the patient to explain what you just told them back to you. This method ensures that the patient understands your instructions and helps them retain information. Remind the patient that you’re not testing them; you’re confirming they fully understand their procedure.

Provide Instruction and Paperwork in Their Native Language

If the patient doesn’t speak English, or if English is their second language, provide some instruction or paperwork about the procedure in their native language. Also, ask a family member or friend to translate for you and provide follow-up literature in their language to ensure they best understand the procedure.

Stay Protected With Baxter & Associates

Patient education is critical for healthcare providers, as it ensures that the patient can give informed consent and that the provider can avoid a malpractice claim of negligence. As a medical malpractice insurance agency, we provide malpractice insurance for all healthcare providers, from nurses and physicians to chiropractors and dentists and more. Contact our staff or complete a form online for a quote for our services today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped the landscape of the global healthcare industry, with the nursing profession at the epicenter of this transformation. The pandemic highlighted the critical role that nurse practitioners play as pivotal conduits of health information and patient advocacy.

During the pandemic, nurse practitioners found themselves at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19. Below, we’ll explore the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession, the challenges nurse practitioners faced, the issues in the industry it highlighted, and the lessons learned from the pandemic.

How COVID Strained Healthcare Workers

Understanding the broader strain that the pandemic imposed on the entire North American healthcare industry is essential to fully comprehend the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession.

Increased Workload

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant increase in workload for healthcare facilities across the United States. As the virus rapidly spread, hospitals and clinics experienced an unprecedented influx of patients, pushing their capacities to the brink. Healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, were suddenly confronted with an overwhelming number of patients requiring intensive care, often simultaneously.

Stretched Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic also considerably stretched the resources of North American healthcare systems. Amid a surge in patient numbers, hospitals faced a severe shortage of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, testing kits, and pharmaceuticals. This scarcity escalated the risk for healthcare workers, especially nurse practitioners, who were compelled to reuse disposable PPE or use substandard alternatives, increasing their exposure to the virus.

Expanded Responsibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an expansion of roles and responsibilities for healthcare professionals, with nurse practitioners experiencing significant shifts in their scope of practice. Traditionally tasked with patient care and support, nurse practitioners were propelled into leadership positions, serving as patient care coordinators, policy developers, and the primary source of communication between patients and their families. With visitor restrictions in place, nurse practitioners shouldered the emotional burden of their patients—providing comfort, understanding, and solace to those battling the virus in isolation.

How the Pandemic Exacerbated Existing Issues in Nursing

Personnel Shortage

The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the existing problem of understaffing in nursing. Before the pandemic, the healthcare industry was already grappling with a looming nursing shortage due to an aging workforce and a rising demand for healthcare services. As the virus spread and patient numbers surged, the strain on the limited pool of nurse practitioners increased dramatically.

Insufficient Compensation

Even before the pandemic, low pay was a significant concern within the nursing profession. The sudden and immense demands of the pandemic further underscored this problem. Nurse practitioners were required to work longer hours, often under hazardous conditions, and assume expanded roles beyond their traditional scope of practice. Despite the increased workload and risk, many nurse practitioners did not receive commensurate compensation. The discrepancy between the level of responsibility and risk assumed by nurse practitioners and their remuneration became even more obvious during the pandemic, leading to increased dissatisfaction and demotivation among nursing professionals.

Burnout

Even pre-pandemic, burnout—chronic physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion—was a formidable issue in the nursing profession. With the onset of COVID-19, the problem of burnout escalated dramatically. The relentless wave of COVID-19 patients, coupled with the fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to loved ones, fueled anxiety and stress among nurse practitioners. The emotional toll of witnessing unprecedented levels of illness and death, often with patients dying alone due to restrictive visitation policies, was immense. Coupled with the physical exhaustion of working in demanding, high-intensity environments while clad in uncomfortable protective gear, the pandemic significantly escalated burnout and mental fatigue in the nursing profession.

Lessons Learned from COVID’s Impact on Nursing

Investing in Nursing Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial need for investing in nursing resources. An adequately staffed and well-equipped nursing workforce was shown to be central to combating the pandemic effectively. Where resources were scarce, patient care suffered, and the physical and emotional toll on nurse practitioners was high. Investment in quality education and training is urgently required to prepare future nurse practitioners for similar health crises.

Furthermore, the pandemic highlighted the need for investments in mental health resources for nurse practitioners who face significant stress and burnout risks in their roles. This investment will support nurse practitioners’ resilience and well-being, enhancing patient care quality. Experiencing COVID-19 made it abundantly clear that investing in nursing resources is vital for the strength and resilience of the healthcare system.

Evolving Role of Telehealth in Healthcare

The pandemic catalyzed the widespread adoption of telehealth in healthcare delivery. With social distancing protocols in place and hospitals overwhelmed, healthcare providers turned to telehealth as a safe and efficient method to continue providing care. Telehealth has been used for routine check-ups, mental health consultations, and even diagnosis of non-COVID-19-related ailments. As primary caregivers, nurse practitioners became the face of this digital transformation, using telehealth tools for patient education, monitoring vitals, and delivering care to patients in remote locations.

Many anticipate that telehealth will continue to play a prominent role in healthcare far beyond the end of the pandemic. It offers more flexible work arrangements for nurse practitioners, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction. Nurse practitioners can provide their invaluable services to a more extensive network of patients, including those in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth also reduces exposure to communicable diseases and can help manage patient loads more effectively by triaging care needs.

Importance of Nurse Practitioner Recruitment and Retention

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of robust nurse practitioner recruitment and retention strategies. Amid the health crisis, healthcare systems worldwide grappled with a dire shortage of nursing personnel, leading to overburdened staff, compromised patient care, and a heightened risk of virus transmission. Such strategies could include improved working conditions, mental health support, career development opportunities, and appropriate remuneration. The pandemic reiterated the importance of valuing, supporting, and retaining nurse practitioners, recognizing their central role in maintaining the health and well-being of communities.

Conclusion: Stay Protected as a Nurse Practitioner With Baxter & Associates

After exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession, we see that the aftereffects of this health crisis will continue reverberating in the coming years. At Baxter & Associates, we commit ourselves to helping healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses (APRN) with nurse practitioner liability and NP malpractice insurance to ensure they can do their jobs with clear focus and without worry of liability exposure. Contact our staff to receive a quote for our services today if you need malpractice insurance.

Medical professionals must commit to providing precise and accurate diagnoses. Failure to do so can lead to medical complications for patients and put healthcare providers at risk for malpractice claims. In fact, misdiagnosis is one of the leading reasons for medical malpractice lawsuits. To prevent the misdiagnosis of medical problems as much as possible, we’ve compiled some practical tips for medical professionals to avoid mistakes and oversights.

Commit to Continuing Education and Training

Continuing education and training are essential for staying current on your field’s latest research, guidelines, and best practices. Keep abreast of new developments, emerging technologies, and innovative diagnostic methods to ensure you practice the highest standard of care. For instance, participating in case review meetings and interdisciplinary discussions is a great way to learn from your peers and share insights on challenging cases.

Thoroughly Review Medical History and Useful Diagnostic Tests

A comprehensive review of a patient’s medical history, including family and social history, is crucial for a thorough diagnostic process. In many instances, critical information will be in the medical history that could point to a specific diagnosis. Consider using appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a particular condition. Ensure you order only necessary tests to avoid overtesting and causing confusion or undue stress to patients.

Employ Diagnostic Checklists

Using diagnostic checklists can help ensure you don’t overlook essential elements of the diagnostic process. These tools, developed for specific medical conditions or symptoms, can assist medical professionals in decreasing cognitive errors and biases while streamlining assessments. Implementing and consistently using checklists in your practice may minimize the chances of a misdiagnosis.

Encourage Open Communication and Collaboration

Promote a culture of open communication and collaboration within your healthcare facility. Encourage your team members to share their concerns and observations, as different perspectives can lead to a more accurate and thorough diagnosis.

Seek Second Opinions

Don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion when faced with a challenging or uncertain diagnosis. Consulting with colleagues, specialists, or subspecialists can provide additional insights and help confirm or refute your diagnostic hypothesis. Remember that the goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients, and seeking expert advice is a responsible way to protect them.

Get Insured Against Misdiagnosis With Baxter & Associates

Avoiding diagnosis errors is essential to quality patient care and liability risk reduction. By implementing our tips to prevent misdiagnosis of medical problems, you can enhance your diagnostic accuracy and take steps to safeguard your patients and healthcare facility.

Guided by expertise and experience, Baxter & Associates specializes in protecting medical professionals with tailored group malpractice insurance solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how our unparalleled service and access to numerous carriers can support your practice and ensure peace of mind for you and your patients.

Professional liability, or malpractice insurance, is essential for medical professionals. It protects them from the financial consequences of lawsuits and claims arising from patient treatment and care. As a medical professional, choosing the right malpractice insurance is crucial for safeguarding your career and personal assets in the event of a claim. We’ll share some key things to consider when buying malpractice insurance.

Assess Your Risks

Every medical professional’s needs vary according to their practice specialty, location, and other factors. Assess your the risks of your field to choose the appropriate coverage. Consider the frequency of malpractice claims within your specialty, and know the regulations and coverage requirements of your location.

Scope of Coverage

Evaluate the scope of coverage offered by the insurance policy you’re considering. Look for an insurance policy that covers claims arising from all your professional services, including telemedicine, clinical trials, and volunteer work.

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies

Malpractice insurance policies include two types: claims-made and occurrence policies. Claims-made policies cover incidents that happen and are reported during the active policy period. Occurrence policies cover incidents during the policy period, regardless of when they’re reported. The right policy type depends on your specialty, risk factors, and budget.

Insurance Limits

Insurance limits refer to the maximum amount an insurer will pay for an individual claim and the total claims in a policy year. Choose coverage limits that meet your financial risk tolerance, and adhere to your state’s regulatory requirements.

Reputation of the Insurance Provider

Evaluate the reputation and financial stability of the insurance provider by reviewing their track record, licensing, ratings, and customer testimonials. Also, consider their experience in serving other medical professionals within your specialty.

Tail Coverage

Another thing to consider when buying malpractice insurance is whether you require tail coverage, or extended reporting period (ERP) coverage. It protects you against claims filed after terminating a claims-made policy. If you choose a claims-made policy, consider purchasing tail coverage to stay protected.

Premiums and Discounts

Premiums and discounts vary among insurers. While shopping for malpractice insurance, compare quotes and identify the most cost-effective option without compromising coverage. You may also qualify for discounts based on risk management practices, claim history, and professional affiliations.

Customer Service and Claims Support

Choose an insurer that provides exceptional customer service and claims-handling support. Efficient claim support lets you focus on your practice while your insurer handles the legal aspects of a malpractice claim.

Let Baxter & Associates Help You Find Malpractice Insurance

Buying malpractice insurance is a big decision. If you need help finding an ideal insurance policy, Baxter & Associates can help. We’ve assisted many medical professionals find the liability policies they need, like chiropractic liability insurance. Visit our website to get a quote for our services, or contact our staff to learn more today.

In many malpractice claims, you can trace the origin of the harm to miscommunication between staff and patients. Many communication errors can cause a malpractice lawsuit, from inaccurate documentation to communication delays between staff. We explain these miscommunications and how they can result in patient harm below.

Inaccurate or Illegible Documentation

Documentation is one of the most critical factors in patient care, including medical history, treatment plans, and updated patient status. Inaccuracies or illegible documentation could cause significant harm to the patient. A result could be that a nurse administered twice the medicine their patient needed or they read the prescription incorrectly and administered the wrong medication.

It’s an old joke that medical professionals have bad handwriting, but legibility is a significant concern. Illegible handwriting can lead to miscommunication between staff, with the patient suffering the consequences. A patient’s chart must be accurate and legible to ensure they receive the best treatment from all staff.

Failure To Update All Staff Regarding the Patient’s Condition

Another communication error that can cause a malpractice lawsuit is the failure to update all staff on the patient’s condition. This error is another instance where missing or inaccurate documentation can lead to patient harm and, therefore, a malpractice claim.

Everyone involved in a patient’s treatment, from the primary physician to the nurses, must constantly communicate about their patient’s condition. Every staff member must be aware so everyone is on the same page and working with the most up-to-date information if there’s a change in the patient’s condition, for better or worse. Delays in communication can lead to precious minutes lost that result in patient harm.

Failure To Review Medical Records

Many medical malpractice claims result from staff not reviewing a patient’s medical records before prescribing medication or administering a treatment plan. Without reviewing a patient’s medical records closely, a doctor may accidentally prescribe a medication the patient is allergic to or has a history of harmful side effects.

Reviewing medical records can be tedious and time-consuming, but it’s essential to superior patient care and all medical staff should review them thoroughly.

Where To Get Malpractice Insurance

As you can see, a simple communication error can cause lasting damage to a patient and result in a malpractice lawsuit in many ways. Baxter & Associates specializes in CRNA malpractice insurance and more for many medical professionals in need of malpractice insurance. Contact our staff for a quote on a new malpractice insurance policy today.

Applying and interviewing for a new nursing position is stressful and difficult for many. Some nurses worry about their medical malpractice past and wonder when is the best time to disclose a malpractice case to potential employers. Read on to learn more about this challenging situation and what actions to take.

Disclose As Early as Possible

The disclosure of past malpractice litigation is often one of the first topics of an interview or a job application for a nursing position. It’s a basic question, like an application asking if the applicant has a criminal history.

The interviewee or applicant would not often have to disclose a malpractice case to potential employers themselves, so the only concern is answering the question honestly when prompted. If, for some reason, the potential employer doesn’t ask for this information during the first interview, it’s best to disclose it before leaving. You want to ensure that it doesn’t linger over the applicant process or make it seem like you’re hiding anything.

Remember, It’s Not a Huge Concern

If you’re concerned that a malpractice case in the past could cost you a future job, you shouldn’t worry. Malpractice cases are so common for nurses and physicians that it’s generally assumed if you’ve worked in the trade long enough, you’ll face litigation eventually.

Your interviewer has likely been through a medical malpractice case before and knows that it’s often a dispute that has little to do with the quality of care provided. It would only be a cause for concern if these cases are frequent in your career, but otherwise, it’s nothing out of the ordinary.

Consider Bringing a Letter From Your Attorney

If you’re truly concerned about a certain malpractice claim becoming an obstacle in your application, consider bringing a letter from your attorney that outlines the facts of the case. Without using names, your attorney can explain your side of the claim that may not be present in the bare documents of the claim and explain the case’s outcome.

Bringing this information is an effective way to have a professional explain the case without having to defend yourself during the interview, allowing you to focus on your strengths.

Where To Get Malpractice Insurance

One of the reasons malpractice insurance is so critical for nurse practitioners and other medical professionals is malpractice suits are so common. If you need professional liability insurance for nurse practitioners, Baxter & Associates can help. Contact our staff, and we can connect you with insurance companies that can offer you comprehensive professional liability coverage at an affordable price.

A malpractice insurance face sheet is one of the most useful and important documents in a policy, but do you know what it is? Learn the basics of insurance face sheets for malpractice and professional liability policies below.

Malpractice Insurance Face Sheet, Defined

An insurance face sheet is sometimes described as a declaration sheet or a certificate of coverage. The face sheet specifies the insured’s personal information and offers a brief policy and coverage overview.

A malpractice insurance face sheet summarizes the facts of the policy and the insured. As anyone with an insurance policy knows, it can contain much information and jargon to understand, so this one-page document makes it easy to summarize everything within the policy.

Is a Face Sheet a Legal Document?

While it’s certainly a useful document, a face sheet is not a legal document for an insurance policy like a signed contract is. The face sheet is more like a cheat sheet for you, your insurer, and your employer’s benefit if it’s employer-owned insurance.

A helpful way to think of a face sheet is like a larger version of an insurance card you may carry in your wallet for health or auto insurance. Like a wallet card, the certificate of coverage provides basic information about the insured while providing a concise summary of the policy in just one page.

Components of a Face Sheet

Within the one page of a face sheet, a reader will digest a mountain of information in just a few lines. The top of the sheet will be the basic information: contact information of the insured and the insurance provider.

Below that will be general coverage information, such as the following data:

• Policy number
• Claims-made or occurrence coverage
• Coverage limits
• Deductible size
• Effective and expiration date

Lastly, a face sheet will define the scope of the coverage. For a medical practitioner, it will say the insured is covered for medical advice relating to their specialty, not legal advice.

Malpractice and professional liability insurance can contain a lot of confusing documents and jargon. At Baxter & Associates, our experts can help make the process easier by providing chiropractic malpractice insurance quotes and explanations for insurance terminology and documents. If you need help finding the ideal malpractice insurance for you or your practice, contact Baxter & Associates today.

Illegible, poorly written, and incomplete medical documentation is an all-too-common problem in healthcare. Below, we discuss ways healthcare professionals and clinics can prevent poor medical documentation and ensure everyone is on the same page.

Avoid Copying & Pasting

One of the most common culprits for mistakes in medical documentation is the dreaded copy-and-paste function for the electronic health record (EHR). Anyone who has used a computer is familiar with its function and its convenience, especially when transferring large amounts of data from one document to another.

However, the copy-and-paste function is a breeding ground for mistakes, as you can easily repeat errors onto multiple documents, making it harder to track an illness’s progression. Repeated copy-and-pasting can also add more pages to documentation than needed, which makes them harder to read and understand.

Use Abbreviations & Symbols Sparingly

Another way to prevent poor medical documentation is to use as few abbreviations and symbols as possible. Medical documentation is often rife with shorthand, abbreviations, and symbols—which can be convenient. However, it can also lead to confusion and assumptions.

While most medical professionals within the same department may see and understand what these abbreviations mean, it’s easy for others to get confused and assume it means something else, which can cause many issues.

Write as Clearly as Possible

It’s the simplest and most obvious advice, but it’s still worth mentioning: always be as clear as possible in your medical documentation. Clear writing applies to the legibility of one’s handwriting and the documentation’s content.

Clarity and precision are critical aspects of medical documentation, but many overlook them for more time-saving writing methods. After filling out your documentation, ask yourself if the paperwork is clear, concise, complete, and legible.

Document Future Plans

One aspect of medical documentation many healthcare professionals overlook is who may be reading their notes and documentation in the future. If a facility must transfer their patient to another facility, the professionals the patient comes in contact with, such as specialists and social workers, may need to consult the documentation to appropriately coordinate their care.

It’s helpful for all involved if healthcare professionals include the patient’s care plans in their documentation. For example, note the date of a follow-up appointment and provide a rough timeline for when treatment can resume. These simple additions can reduce confusion and misunderstanding for those reading the documentation in the future.

Conclusion

Poor medical documentation is a frequent cause of medical malpractice claims against all kinds of healthcare professionals, from physicians to chiropractors and more. Therefore, malpractice insurance is critical for every healthcare professional.

If you’re a chiropractor looking for a chiropractic malpractice insurance quote, Baxter & Associates can help. Contact our staff today so we can help you find a malpractice policy that suits your needs and budget.