Here are five points orthopedic and spine surgeons should know about risk management and prevention:
1. Pay attention to primary prevention. Primary prevention risk management includes training in delivering culturally competent care, improving communication skills and preventing surgical errors. There are several programs that can help surgeons prevent these errors, including Sign-Your-Site, the Universal Protocol and the Communications Skills Mentorship Program. These methods help to stymie the root causes of medical liability lawsuits, which are often patient injury and suboptimal patient-physician relationships and communication, according to the report.
2. Manage tort risk. When a patient sustains physical injury as a result of complications surrounding surgery, there is an economic and emotional loss experienced by the patient and physician. Physicians can benefit from training in the appropriate patient-physician relationship and how to make and effective apology, according to the report. The use of electronic medical records and new technology can also present tort risks if used inappropriately.
3. Know insurance regulations. Not complying with Medicare regulations can lead to penalties, suspension of participation and actions by the Inspector General, according to the report. These actions could have a ripple effect on the physician’s participation in other insurance and hospital programs. Over the past year, there have been more regulations from licensing bodies, government, hospitals and insurance companies that ensure more accountability, transparency and reporting to centralized data banks, according to the report.
Read the full AAOS Now report on medical risk management.
Read other coverage on AAOS:
