Medical Complaints in Healthcare

Posted on November 4, 2022November 4, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Physicians and medical professionals in healthcare can face discipline and lawsuit if they do not fulfill proper standard of care to a patient. They can face malpractice but also medical complaints to overseeing boards. It is hence extremely important for healthcare professionals to be aware of procedures when dealing with potential medical malpractice or even medical board complaints by patients.

Much can be done by simple transparency, procedure, proper channeling and oversight, but sometimes, mistakes can be made, or patients can be in the wrong looking to blame someone. In this case legal support is needed. Many legal teams have Legal Nurse Consultants who can also ensure proper procedure and standard of care was fulfilled. It is hence extremely important if faced even with a medical complaint to find the proper representation to preserve one’s name and reputation within the medical profession and field.

A medical complaint can be a major headache but through professionalism and transparency they can be lessened. A good legal team and legal nurse consultant can help guide medical professionals from further reputation damage.

The article, “How to handle a medical board complaint” by Keith Loria looks closer at how to respond to a medical complaint. He discusses the grave importance of taking it as serious as a malpractice suite and to follow the proper response protocol. He highly recommends finding legal representation and aid in dealing with the issue but he also gives ways to prevent such instances from escalating through how patients are treated and procedures done in regards to providing information to the patient. A well informed patient and a patient who is treated with respect and professionalism is far less to issue a complaint. He states,

“Most physicians spend their sleepless nights worrying about malpractice lawsuits but not medical board complaints. However, a complaint to a medical board is a considerable challenge posing as much risk to a physician’s career as a malpractice case. Such a complaint often can be very trying and potentially damaging to one’s reputation. Some of the reasons behind medical board complaints involve a doctor’s code of ethics. Medical malpractice, misdiagnosis, failure to treat a patient and mismanaging a patient are common allegations in such complaints.”

“How to handle a medical board complaint”. Keith Loria. November 4, 2022. Medical Economics.

To review the entire article, please click here

Commentary

Medical complaints against professionals are a relatively common occurrence. In most cases, these complaints are filed against physicians or other medical professionals. There are a number of reasons why patients may lodge medical complaints against professionals. In some cases, the patient may feel that they have been mistreated or that the quality of care they received was substandard. In other cases, the patient may be dissatisfied with the way their case was handled or with the outcome of their treatment. Whatever the reason, it is important to remember that medical complaints are serious matters and should be treated as such.

There are a few common medical complaints against professionals that patients typically make. These include issues with communication, bedside manner, and time management.
Patients often complain that their physicians do not communicate well with them. This can manifest as the physician not taking the time to explain things in layman’s terms, not listening to the patient’s concerns, or interrupting the patient during conversation. Another common complaint is that the physician has a poor bedside manner.

Preventing Complaints

The best way to prevent medical complaints against professionals is to follow a few simple guidelines. First, always maintain communication with your patients. This means keeping them updated on their condition and treatment plan, as well as answering any questions they may have. Second, document everything. Be sure to keep accurate and up-to-date records of all interactions with patients, as well as their medical histories. Finally, be responsive to any concerns or complaints that do arise.

Responding to Complaints

When seeking legal help to protect oneself against a medical complaint, it is important to first identify the source of the problem. Is the problem with the medical care that was received, or is the problem with the way in which the complaint was handled? Once the source of the problem has been identified, it is important to determine whether or not there is a legal basis for the complaint. If there is no legal basis for the complaint, then seeking legal help will not be necessary.

Many physicians will need to turn to a legal team with medical legal experts, such as legal nurse consultants to help defend. The complaint is a serious issue and must be addressed. Many times, healthcare professionals only see malpractice as a serious threat but complaints can also tarnish reputations. It is hence important and critical to find legal help from legal professionals in defending oneself in such a complaint hearing before a medical board.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is clear that there are many medical complaints against healthcare professionals. These complaints range from simple negligence to more serious issues such as sexual assault. It is important for patients to be aware of their rights and to know how to file a complaint if they feel that they have been wronged by a healthcare professional.

Regardless of the complaint or severity or even legitimacy, healthcare professionals need the guidance of an experience legal team with medical expertise and legal nurse consultants to aid in the hearing defense. Legal nurse consultants help against medical complaints by providing knowledge and expertise in the healthcare field. They are an invaluable resource for investigating cases and providing testimony. Their knowledge of both the medical and legal field makes them uniquely qualified to deal with these issues.

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Legal Nursing. Nurses are obviously the best candidates for this program.

Additional Resources

“Patient complaints in healthcare systems: a systematic review and coding taxonomy”. Tom W Reader, etc, al. BMJ Qual Saf. 2014 Aug; 23(8): 678–689. National Library of Medicine. Access here

“Medical Board Complaints from Hell: 6 Strategies for Surviving a Board Investigation”. Medical Justice. September 1st, 2022. Medical Justice. Access here

“Learning from complaints in healthcare: a realist review of academic literature, policy evidence and front-line insights”. Jackie van Dael, etc. al. Volume 29″ Issue 8. 2020. BMJ Journals. Access here

“The nature of patient complaints: a resource for healthcare improvements”. Anna RÅBERUS, etc. al. International Journal for Quality in Health Care, Volume 31, Issue 7, August 2019, Pages 556–562,. Oxford Academic. Access here

Legal Nursing and the Standard of Care

Posted on October 13, 2022October 13, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

In Legal Nurse Consulting, the idea of the standard of care is critically important. This standard is the defining linear line between negligence and proper care of a provider to a patient. It provides the guidelines necessary to understand if a malpractice has occurred or not occurred. Legal Nurse Consultants play a key role in defining this line within the practice of nursing and healthcare. It is hence extremely important to understand this standard and its applications in cases where supposed malpractice may have occurred.

The article, “Standard Of Care: Legal Definition & Examples” by Christy Bieber and reviewed by Adam Ramirez looks more closer at these standards. In the article, the definition of standard of care is clearly stated and how it applies to cases of potential malpractice. The article also reviews what type of compensation individuals can receive in a malpractice case and how to proceed in such a filing. The article states,

“In many cases, it is necessary to consult with experts in order to determine if a defendant fell below the standard of care. For example, if you are pursuing a case against a doctor for medical malpractice, you might need to present testimony from other medical professionals to establish what the standard of care was and to explain how the doctor fell short of fulfilling this duty and thus caused harm. An experienced medical malpractice lawyer can provide insight into proving a case. Your attorney can also help you to gather evidence and find expert witnesses who can testify on your behalf.”

“Standard Of Care: Legal Definition & Examples”. Christy Bieber. Forbes Advisor. October 10th, 2022. To access the full article, click here

Legal Nurse Consultants play a key role in helping understand the standard of care in medical malpractice cases

Commentary

Legal nurse consulting (LNC) is a nursing specialty that provides support to lawyers and other legal professionals on cases involving health care. LNCs use their clinical knowledge and experience to help identify potential legal issues, gather and analyze medical records, and provide expert testimony. Legal nurse consultants work with attorneys and other legal professionals to provide expert analysis and testimony on a variety of legal issues, including medical negligence, personal injury, and long-term care. As a legal nurse consultant, you will use your knowledge of the healthcare system to help attorneys understand complex medical issues.

The Standard of Care

In the legal profession, the standard of care is the watchword for determining whether a healthcare professional has acted properly. The standard of care is defined as the degree of care and skill that a reasonable healthcare professional would use in similar circumstances. This duty of care is owed to all clients, regardless of their level of sophistication or ability to pay. In general, the standard of care requires that a person must be reasonably careful in order to avoid harming others.

The standard of care is the legal duty of all health care professionals to provide their patients with a certain level of care. This duty is based on the professional’s knowledge, skill, and judgment. The standard of care must be met in order to avoid liability for negligence. There are four elements to the standard of care: 1) the duty to act; 2) the standard of care; 3) causation; and 4) damages.

Malpractice

Medical malpractice is a type of negligence that occurs when a health care professional provides substandard care to a patient, resulting in injury or death. Although the standard of care varies by jurisdiction, it is generally defined as the type and level of care that a reasonably prudent health care professional would provide under similar circumstances. When a health care professional deviates from the standard of care and causes harm to a patient, he or she may be held liable for medical malpractice.

When filing a medical malpractice claim, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to file a complaint with the appropriate state agency. In most states, this is the Board of Medicine. You’ll also need to obtain copies of your medical records and any other relevant documentation. Once you have all of this information, you’ll need to meet with an experienced medical malpractice attorney to discuss your case.

Role of the Legal Nurse in Malpractice case

In a malpractice case, the legal nurse may be asked to review medical records and other documentation to help determine whether there was negligence on the part of the medical care provider. The legal nurse may also be asked to provide testimony in court about the case. Overall and in more detail, a legal nurse reviews medical records, researches medical conditions and procedures, and provides guidance on the standard of care. In addition, they may interview witnesses, collect and organize evidence, and assist with trial preparation. The goal is to help the attorney build a strong case on behalf of the client. Legal Nurses may represent the healthcare professional or the patient suing for malpractice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, legal nurses are an important part of the healthcare team and play a vital role in ensuring the standard of care is met. They work closely with attorneys and insurance companies to investigate cases of malpractice and negligence. The standard of care is important in protecting patients and ensuring that they receive the best possible treatment. It is also important in preventing medical negligence and malpractice.

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified nurses seeking a four year certification in Legal Nursing. After completing the required four courses, a registered nurse can apply for the four year certification.

Additional Resources

The Standard of Care. Donna Vanderpool, MBA, JD. Innov Clin Neurosci. 2021 Jul-Sep; 18(7-9): 50–51. Access here

Understanding Standard of Care for Patients. Trisha Torrey. VeryWellHealth March 4th, 2020. Access here

Medical malpractice. BASHIR MAMDANI. Indian Journal of Medical Ethics Vol I No 2 April–June 2004. Access here

An Introduction to Medical Malpractice in the United States. B. Sonny Bal, MD, MBA. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2009 Feb; 467(2): 339–347. Access here

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Article on Malpractice and Death

Posted on September 9, 2022October 6, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Malpractice due to misdiagnoses or late diagnoses is a big cause of death for patients. A study showed that 1 in 3 misdiagnoses lead to death or permanent disability. This points to the extreme importance of having a competent doctor and educating oneself. It is important to be always be aware and seek second opinions if serious. Legal Nurse Consultants may later play a key role in helping identify malpractice, but it is far better to be educated and aware when something may not be feeling right. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification

Medical error and malpractice can have deadly results. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification and see if it meets your goals

The article, “1 in 3 misdiagnoses results in serious injury or death: study” by Jacqueline Renfrow looks at the dangers of misdiagnosis and looks at a variety of stats. She states,

“The research, funded by the Society to Improve Diagnosis in Medicine, analyzed more than 55,000 malpractice claims from the Comparative Benchmarking System database. Of the diagnostic errors causing the most harm, 74.1% were attributed to just three categories—referred to in the paper as “The Big Three”: cancer (37.8%), vascular events (22.8%) and infection (13.5%).”

To read the entire article, please click here

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Blog on Types of Malpractice

Posted on February 3, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Mistakes occur and patients are deserving of compensation with medical malpractice occurs. There are numerous different types of medical malpractice that can occur during care and treatment. Legal Nurse Consultants help firms and patients find justice and have a thorough understanding of standard medical procedure as well as the process of malpractice cases.

Medical Malpractice can occur at anytime. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting program and see if it meets your goals

The article, “5 Kinds Of Medical Mistakes That Will Entitle You To Compensation” by Stan Martinez looks at the most 5 common types of medical mistakes. He states,

“Everyone goes to hospitals and seeks professional help to receive the best treatment they deserve. However, you have to be watchful about the possible negligence that may happen to you from the diagnosis to treatment of your condition. When this happens to you or your loved ones, call a medical malpractice lawyer to help you receive proper compensation for all the damages you and your loved ones have sustained.”

To review the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification in Legal Nurse Consulting

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Blog on Defensive Medicine

Posted on January 7, 2022January 7, 2022 by Dominick Flarey

Many good intentioned physicians practice defensive medicine. While it looks to protect a doctor from malpractice it can also lead to hindrances, annoyances and extra cost. Extra tests and scans which are unneeded can be an end result. Like everything there needs to be a balance in any practice and defensive medicine is not necessarily the answer to mistakes. Instead good diagnosis and trust in oneself is key

Defensive medicine may have good intentions but it can also lead to malpractice. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program

The article, “Can defensive medicine lead to medical malpractice?” from the Augusta Free Press looks at what defensive medicine is and how it can possibly lead to bigger issues. The article reads,

“Defensive medicine has been around since the mid-20th century. However, there has been a resurgence in recent years, and it is triggering a concurrent wave of medical malpractice lawsuits. When defensive medicine causes more harm to patients than good, it defeats its purpose. Injured victims may file a medical malpractice lawsuit for compensation.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals looking to earn a four year certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Legal Nurse Consultant Article on Being Served a Lawsuite

Posted on December 29, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

No matter how well a healthcare professional trains, studies and prepares, there is always a chance for a malpractice suite against them. Some may be well deserving, but many others may be victims of vindictive or confused individuals. So despite, the years of study, the high student loans incurred and hard work building a practice, one must always be prepared for the inevitable malpractice. This is why healthcare professionals have such high malpractice insurance rates and why costs are so high everywhere. A healthcare professional must always be ready. Any patient could be the next case against oneself.

The reality is throughout a 40 year career, most physicians spend 11 percent or 50.7 months of their time resolving malpractice cases. In fact, by age 65, low risk practices have a 75 percent chance of litigation against them, while high risk practices have a 99 percent chance. With these numbers, it is imperative to be prepared and to have an understanding how the malpractice process works.

Being served a lawsuit can be very stressful. It is important to be prepared for such things. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals

If served the dreaded letter of suite against one’s practice, it may seem unnerving. One may question what one did or did not do, or wonder how this could ever happen. Good physicians may feel hurt or betrayed or misunderstood. While these feelings are natural, it is important to follow the process of defense. One’s reputation and practice is on the line and one needs to protect this at all costs.

The first step is to contact one’s medical malpractice carrier. This should be done immediately. Within this structure, is yourself, the claim professional and your defense attorney.

The second step is to build a defense. Building the defense is key and one might be surprised to discover that a malpractice attorney already has some insight into what is occurring. It is important to supply the defense attorney with all the necessary information on the case, the patient and notes regarding the case.

Third, realize that the case will take time. Usually cases can last anywhere from 2 to 5 years. Furthermore, the case probably is originating from a patient or service rendered a few years prior. There will be periods of activity but also periods of inactivity, so remain calm and continue to supply excellent care to your patients. Rest assured, your malpractice attorney is on top of things. If need be, contact him or her if questions or worries arise.

Fourth, it is important to understand the strategy of the plaintiff. You will not be able to explain to them what occurred and those explanations are best left for trial. It is important to not only know one’s own strategies but also the other side’s strategies. Be well versed on their own experts and opinions on procedure. This will heighten your own defense.

Fifth, become fully engaged in your own defense. It is critical to study your own dispositions, possible questions and expertise on procedure. Coaching may be needed. Coaches can help one better at trial during disposition. Stress Management may also be necessary. It is a very stressful period and it is important to remain calm prior and during trial.

Ultimately, malpractice cases eventually occur and one needs to be prepared when they do. By being calm, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the process, one can overcome most cases that have no basis or legal ground. One can protect oneself by keeping good records, following good standards and by giving the best care one can possibly provide. Communication and good social interaction with patients is key in forming good bonds with patient and caregiver and this can go a long way in preventing foolish and unnecessary claims from occurring. Bedside manner does go a long way, especially for a good physician with good skills. Individuals are more receptive to physicians who take time to talk and build a friendship. Good doctors who explain and care can limit unnecessary confusion and bitterness for something that is not their fault.

If you would like to learn more, please review our blog.

If you would like to learn more about Legal Nurse Consulting, then please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

By completing the four core courses, one can proceed to a four year certification.

Sources

The Doctor’s Company, “You’ve Been Served: Lawsuit Survival Tips for Physicians”. Please click here

Legal Nurse Consulting Certification Article on Preventing Malpractice Claims

Posted on October 28, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Healthcare professionals always deal with the chance of malpractice. Mistakes can occur but they can be limited though with good practices and values. Healthcare professionals can protect themselves by following certain procedures and habits which can make it far less likely to occur.

Healthcare professionals can protect themselves from some instances of malpractice. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification

The article, “Avoiding medical malpractice suits” by Keith Reynolds looks closer how healthcare providers can reduce the chance of malpractice. He states,

“To err is human. So the question is not whether a medical malpractice lawsuit will be filed against a physician, but when. As physicians pick their way through this minefield, if they’re not careful, one lawsuit from one patient could define their entire career, and lead to a loss of revenue, increased insurance costs and a massive hit to a physician’s professional reputation. Bob White, chief operating officer of malpractice insurer TDC Group, says that some specialists such as neurosurgeons or obstetricians can spend as much as 25% of their career with an open malpractice suit against them.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Physicians, nurses or any healthcare provider can provide excellent service and protect themselves. Legal Nurse Consultants also play a key role in analyzing if standards of care were met or not met.

Please also review The American College of Legal Nurse Consulting’s Legal Nurse Consulting Certification. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Legal Nurse. Please review the program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals.

Legal Nurse Consulting Article on Malpractice Stats

Posted on June 25, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

Malpractice is a common lawsuit in the medical world. Healthcare professionals need to be insured and protected. Some specialty areas and some states and areas have higher malpractice rates than others.

Physicians and other healthcare providers need to protect themselves from mistakes or lawsuits. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program

The article, “Malpractice by the numbers” by Ike Devji reviews the areas with higher malpractice rates. The article states,

“We’ve recently covered a variety of issues that can threaten physicians’ wealth ranging from the predictable and recurring seasonal risks of summer to those associated current real estate boom and the asset protection and estate planning issues associated with cryptocurrency investing. As much I have taken great efforts to remind physicians to think of their legal risk factors holistically— beyond just malpractice risk—and to include their risks as employers, investors, property owners, and even parents, medical malpractice claims remain a serious risk that requires proactive defensive planning.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it matches your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified professionals seeking a four year certification as a Legal Nurse Consultant.

Legal Nurse Consultant Program Article on Misconceptions of Malpractice

Posted on March 11, 2021 by Dominick Flarey

There are many misconceptions about malpractice cases and the process. It is important to understand what is true and what is not and how to handle a case. Malpractice attorneys with their staff, including in some cases, Legal Nurse Consultants can help one go through the process.

Legal Nurse Consultants can help one understand malpractice process. Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consultant Program

The article, “Common Misconceptions About Medical Malpractice” by Jonathan Ford Hughes takes a closer look at common misconceptions and what one should do. He states,

“It’s an unfortunate reality for many physicians, but a malpractice suit isn’t so much a matter of ‘if’ as it is a matter of ‘when’. Bad outcomes, regardless of negligence, have a certain statistical probability that’s unavoidable. According to the New England Journal of Medicine, by age 65, 75% of physicians in low-risk specialties and 99% of physicians in high-risk specialties will have faced a malpractice claim. However, the NEJM article points out that “most claims do not lead to payments to plaintiffs.”

To read the entire article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Program and see if it meets your academic and professional goals. The program is online and independent study and open to qualified nurses seeking a four year certification in Legal Nurse Consulting.

Legal Nurse Consulting Training Program Article on Professional Malpractice

Posted on September 23, 2020September 24, 2020 by Dominick Flarey

Negligence happens in healthcare. In some cases it can also occur with medication. The article below looks at a case of malpractice and looks to determine if it falls under ordinary negligence or professional malpractice.

There are many types of medical errors. This article looks at ordinary negligence and professional malpractice

The article, “Fatal Medication Error: Ordinary Negligence or Professional Malpractice?” by Ann Latner presents a case in which such a decision was needed. She states,

“This month, we look at a recent case out of Nevada where the court was asked to decide if an error involving a fatal dose of morphine was medical malpractice, requiring an affidavit from a medical expert, or whether it was ordinary negligence, which does not have such a requirement.”

To review the article, please click here

Please also review AIHCP’s Legal Nurse Consulting Training Program. The program is online and independent study. Nurses and other qualified professionals can take the program to earn a four year certification. See if the Legal Nurse Consulting Program from AIHCP meets your academic and professional goals.