Twenty strategies to reduce the risk of a malpractice claim

The provision of health care services is not exempt from either human error or clinical misjudgments. However, many malpractice claims arise from neither of those sources but from poor communication systems, faulty office practices, or inadequate documentation. This article describes 20 practical risk management strategies a physician practice can implement to strengthen aspects of the care delivery process and reduce potential liability exposure. Some of the subjects addressed in this article include the importance of documenting telephone advice to patients; determining when and how to terminate patients; improving communication and listening styles; how to effectively obtain the patient's informed consent; and implementing careful oversight mechanisms with the receipt of outside diagnostic test results.