Published: April 25, 2016

Heed those EHR alerts: EHRs now a factor in malpractice suits

Patient harm caused at least in part by the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has now emerged in medical malpractice claims, according to a recent closed claims study by The Doctors Company. And alert fatigue—ignoring,overriding, or disabling EHR alerts because they are so frequent they become disruptive and annoying—has emerged as a top risk.

FROM ACADEMY ADVANTAGE PREMIER PARTNER: THE DOCTORS COMPANY

Patient harm caused at least in part by the use of electronic health records (EHRs) has now emerged in medical malpractice claims, according to a recent closed claims study by The Doctors Company. And alert fatigue—ignoring,
overriding, or disabling EHR alerts because they are so frequent they become disruptive and annoying—has emerged as a top risk.

But there are strategies you can take to protect your patients and your practice from the liability risks of EHRs. The American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) has partnered with The Doctors Company, an Academy Advantage Premier Partner, to provide Academy Members with an exclusive medical malpractice insurance program since 2003. In addition to providing industry-leading coverage, The Doctors Company has the largest patient safety department, offering closed claims studies, risk tips, and videos to help you reduce risk. Learn how to address EHR alert risks and read an otolaryngology case example at http://hubs.ly/H02hS8Z0.

As the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer—insuring more than 1,000 otolaryngologists nationwide—The Doctors Company has unparalleled insight into the broad range of claims in otolaryngology. And backed by the financial strength of $4.3 billion in assets and a membership of 78,000 physicians, The Doctors Company offers AAO-HNS Members a unique combination of coverage features, aggressive claims defense, and unrivaled protection. Qualified AAO-HNS Members receive a program discount of 5 percent and a claims-free credit of up to 25 percent, as well as participation in the company’s multiyear dividend program.

AAO-HNS Members have access to free live and web-based CME, on-site surveys, and informed consent resources at www.thedoctors.com/patientsafety. Members also receive the industry’s most aggressive defense, beginning with the promise never to settle a claim without a member’s consent, where permitted by law. This relentless defense includes litigation education retreats, which help members facing claims to master defense tactics, and educational videos showcasing actual claims experiences at www.youtube.com/doctorscompany.

Created in 2007, the Tribute® Plan is an unrivaled benefit that rewards The Doctors Company’s members for their loyalty and their dedication to superior patient care with a significant financial award at retirement. How significant? The highest award to date to an otolaryngologist and AAO-HNS Member was $33,554. Learn more about this groundbreaking benefit at www.thedoctors.com/tribute.

Join your AAO-HNS colleagues as a member of The Doctors Company—find out how affordable the best medical malpractice coverage for otolaryngologists can be at www.thedoctors.com/AAOHNS.

 

More from May 2016 - Vol. 35, No. 04
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Annual Meeting committee meetings
Open to all AAO-HNS Members, committee meetings are listed alphabetically. Dates and times are subject to change. Please refer to the online schedule at www.entnet.org/annual_meeting or the mobile app for the latest listings.
M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD
Legends of Otolaryngology
The AAO-HNSF Legends of Otolaryngology is a new initiative beginning this fall. The Legends of Otolaryngology is a fundraising program that will honor those individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery. Our first Legend is M. Eugene Tardy, Jr., MD.
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NEW! Get your badge onsite
In an effort to cut down on paper and continue encouraging sustainable practices, the attendee meeting badges will not be mailed this year. All registered attendees will receive an email badge confirmation with a barcode that they can bring onsite to the registration kiosks to scan in order to print their badge.
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More new and value-added events and activities
The 120th Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM has several new and stimulating activities planned for 2016.
Tracks
Hot topics for 2016
With such an extensive education program, we have learned that it is easier to navigate when it’s categorized by specialty track. Here are the 2016 tracks.
Value 4 U
Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM offers more value for Members
In last month’s issue of Bulletin, we introduced our new membership campaign, Value 4U. Through our many programs and resources, we help Members achieve excellence and provide the best ear, nose, and throat care and navigate the unknowns in the current healthcare system.
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AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSMExperience value
When you arrive in San Diego for the 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, you’ll experience a meeting like no other—a meeting focused solely on bringing you robust education, networking, and most of all VALUE!
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PRACTICE PROFILEMidwest ENT Centre
Midwest ENT Centre is a single-specialty group of six physician Members of the Academy, located in St. Peters, MO. An “oto family” connection ties three of the practice’s physicians: J. Michael Conoyer, MD, is the father of J. Matthew Conoyer, MD, and Benjamin M. Conoyer, MD.
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Academy submits comments on episode groups to CMS
As part of an ongoing effort to represent Members in the quickly changing healthcare payment landscape, on March 1, 2016, the Academy submitted comments to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on the Request for Information (RFI) on Episode Groups.
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Board approves 10 Position Statements
Position Statements are used to designate a statement, policy, or declaration of the American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery and Foundation (AAO-HNS/F) on a particular topic or set of topics.
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Academy updates CPT for ENT articles
As part of a process to continue to provide the most up-to-date resources for our membership, Academy CPT experts have begun to reevaluate and update the Academy’s list of CPT for ENT articles. CPT for ENT articles are a collaborative effort among the Academy’s team of CPT Advisors, Members of the Physician Payment Policy (3P) Workgroup, and health policy staff.
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Advocacy acronyms and committees
Below are key committees and acronyms you need to know to be an effective advocate for the specialty.
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Cleft lip, palate repair in PeruExpanded from the print edition
For once I got excited while checking my email. I had received an AAO-HNSF humanitarian award to send me to Peru on a cleft lip and palate mission trip. The grant money would help subsidize my travel expenses for the trip. I was so excited.
Dr Kmucha
BOARD OF GOVERNORS BOG sessions add to a rewarding Annual Meeting
With signs of spring appearing in some parts, it is time to start thinking about the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM, September 18-21, in San Diego, CA.
James C. Denneny III, MD, AAO-HNS/F EVP/CEO
Spring overture
Registration for this year’s AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM in one of our favorite locations, San Diego, opened May 2. I encourage you to take advantage of the early registration discounts for what promises to be an exceptional meeting.
Sujana S. Chandrasekhar, MD AAO-HNS/F Past President
San Diego memories
It is an exciting time as the Foundation gears up for the AAO-HNSF 2016 Annual Meeting & OTO EXPOSM. Although the San Diego, CA, location was decided years ago, this meeting is one that has special meaning for me as you will understand soon. The Foundation anticipates a healthy showing of physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, and industry attendees to pour into San Diego this September.