Medicine & the Law

Physicians are considered competitors, so when these “competitors” get together to discuss how they will work together against a managed care company, this is considered by regulators to be a violation of the Sherman Act.

Physicians aren’t banks, lenders or credit card companies, so why is this their problem? Doesn’t HIPAA provide enough privacy protection for patients? Many experts thought so, until some FTC attorneys said otherwise.

A better approach is to pursue a strategic plan that encompasses both the business functions required by the practice as well as the higher level strategic activities that will allow the practice to remain competitive and achieve the long term goals of the practice members.

Being impaired from practicing is a terrible truth to accept. Just don’t let the loss of your license also impair your claim.

Disclosure and apology post-adverse event are key risk reduction strategies for physicians.