The Latest Insurance and Industry News For Physicians and Healthcare Providers

A bunch of padlocks are sitting on top of a computer screen.

3 Ways Artificial Intelligence Will Change The Nature Of Cyber Attacks

Editor Note:  Cyber security is a front and center concern in the medical industry.
World Economic Forum, June 19, 2019.  
A person is holding a piece of paper that says lawsuit.

Medical Malpractice Lawsuits Dwindle On Rising Costs Of Claims

Editor Note:  The total number of claims are down by about 50% since 2000.  In the business we say that 'frequency of claims' are down but 'severity of claims' are  about level. 
CBS NEWS, June 11, 2019
A doctor is holding a sign that says `` medical error ''.

Medical Errors Prevalent and Costly, New Survey of Massachusetts Residents Shows

Editor Note:  We all know this right?  Nothing too groundbreaking here but still worth a quick read.
A doctor is holding his head while looking at a clipboard.

Michigan Doctor Faces Trial Over Misdiagnosing Epilepsy

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A Missed Opportunity For the Malpractice System To Improve Health Care

New York Times (paywall), May 27, 2019
A group of surgeons are operating on a patient in an operating room.

Bobby Jenks, Former White Sox Pitcher, Reaches a $5.1 Million Settlement With Hospital After Career-Ending Injury

Editor Note: Bobby Jenks claimed that his surgeon was performing concurrent surgeries and that the doctor was negligent to be performing more that one surgery at a time.
Chicago Tribune (paywall), May 9, 2019
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2 Clients Of Spa That Offered 'Vampire Facials' Diagnosed With HIV

Editor Note:An insurance underwriters worst nightmare.
Boston 25 News, April 30, 2019
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Controversial Military Malpractice Policy May Be Closer to Overturn Than Ever

Editor Note:Federal Tort Reform laws may change.  Stay tuned.
Military.com,  March 24, 2019
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Research Warn Medical AI is Vulnerable to Attack

Cosmos Magazine,  March 22, 2019
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When Email Comes to the Doctor's Office, Wait times Decrease

Editor Note:  The delivery of healthcare continues to evolve...
The New York Times, March 18, 2019
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New Supreme Court Emboldening Florida Lawmakers to Push Tort Reform

Editor Note:  Florida legislature is looking to get caps on non-economic damages back in place after an earlier Supreme Court ruling overturned them. 
The Ledger, March 6, 2019
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Understanding Liability Risks and Protections For Pediatric Providers During Disasters

Editor Note: Fascinating look at the liability that can arise during a disaster.  
American Academy of Pediatrics, Technical Report, March 1, 2019
A doctor is using a tablet computer with a stethoscope around his neck.

Can You Sue An Algorithm For Malpractice?

Editor Note: Check out this fascinating article at Forbes, online.  
Forbes Insights, February 11, 2019
A red stamp with the word liquidation written inside of it

Medical Malpractice Insurer to Liquidate

Editor Note: Paywall. Missouri Professionals Mutual and Physicians Professional Indemnity Association (MPM-PPIA) is in liquidation mode after going into receivership last year.  Missouri medical providers should pay attention to this important event in the medical malpractice insurance market.  Call for more information.
St. Louis Business Journal, February 6, 2019
A group of doctors and nurses are sitting around a table having a meeting.

How Much Should A Collaborating Physician Be Paid?

Editor Note: Based on current trends this is an important concept to understand.
Medscape, January 29, 2019
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How To Start a Telehealth Business

Editor Note: Here at The David Agency, we work with approximately 10-20 new telehealth companies per month.  Securing affordable insurance is very important because most of these companies are start-ups and looking to save as much money as possible so they can put it back into their new company.
Business.com, January 23, 2019
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Health Systems Fire Up Business Incubators

Editor Note: The era of healthcare practice consolidation is not over but may be slowing down.  Incubators may be the next big thing in healthcare practice growth. 
Modern Healthcare, January 19, 2019
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Philadelphia Could Be Hot Destination For Medical Malpractice Suits, Again, Under Proposed Rule

Philly.com, January 18, 2019
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From Drones to Smart Pills, 2018 Saw Significant Tech Advances in Medicine

Editor Note: Can't wait to see what 2019 brings us!
Digital Trends, December 20, 2018
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Michigan State Lawmakers Have Stamped Out Telemedicine - Again

Editor Note: Article headline is a little misleading as it only pertains to providing abortion medication services.
Business Insider, December 17, 2018
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Health Insurers Look To Digital Tools To Improve Customer Experience

Modern Healthcare, December 13, 2018
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Puerto Rico Approves Law To Reduce Medical Malpractice Suits

www.citynews1130.com, December 3, 2018
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Nurse Practitioners See largest Pay Bump Among APRN's

Editor Note: Article and Survey Report Behind Free Paywall
Medscape, November 30, 2018
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Doctors Are fed Up With Being Turned Into Debt Collectors

Crain's Chicago Business, November 15, 2018
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Superbugs Pose A Dangerous, $65 Billion Threat To The US Health Care System

Editor Note: Sober assessment regarding the future of  antimicrobial resistance.
CNBC, November 7, 2018
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Report: Artificial Intelligence In Health Care

Editor Note: Medicine and healthcare are fertile ground for AI. Fascinating report.
Diplomat Courier, November 2, 2018
A surgeon is operating on a patient in an operating room.

Retinal Malpractice Issues involve ROP, Injections and Wrong Events

Healio Ocular Surgery News, October 29, 2018
A judge 's gavel , a stethoscope , a heart , and pills are on a table.

Cardiology Malpractice Suits Up 91% From A Decade Ago

Editor Note: The canary in the coalmine. Higher rates are on their way. Get Prepared.
Cardiovascular Business, October 24, 2018
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Your Next Doctor's Appointment Might Be With AI

Editor Note: After a decade of practice consolidations, another threat to the corner medical office is revealed.
Technology Review, October 16, 2018
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Why Doctors Reject Tools That Make Their Job Easier

Scientific American, October 15, 2018
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Crossfit's Greg Glassman Disrupted Fitness. Next, He's Taking On Healthcare.

Men's Health, October 12, 2018
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5 Great Vacations For Physicians

Editor Note: Sure, it's click-bait, but really fun to think about.
www.mdlinx.com, October 11, 2018
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For Doctors, Delving Deeper As A Way To Avoid Burnout

Editor Note: Guest opinion column.
The New York Times, October 10, 2018
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New York's MLMIC Insurance Company Joins Berkshire Hathaway Family of Companies

Editor Note: Consolidation is not just for medical practices; the largest national medical malpractice insurance carriers such as Medical Protective and The Doctors Company have been on a buying spree the last 10 years. 
Insurance Journal, October 8, 2018
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Passage Of Sports Medicine Clarity Act Improves Care For All Athletes

American Orthopedic Society of Sports Medicine, October 5, 2018
A doctor and nurse are talking to an elderly patient in a hospital bed.

The Most Important Part Of A Doctor's Job Is Not Her Bedside Manner

Editor Note:Interesting opinion piece written by a physician.  Although we agree that saving lives and getting patients back to normal health should be the ultimate goal, it pays to connect with your patients if you can to lessen  the chance for a future claim.  Research shows that physicians who show empathy, communicate regularly and effectively with their patients and apologize for mistakes tend to be sued less.
www.wbur.org, October 4, 2018
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5 Bizarre Medical Techniques From History

Editor Note: We are getting in the Halloween spirit here at The David Agency. These medical techniques are terrifying, enjoy!
Medical News Today, October 3, 2018
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Physicians Unwilling to Recommend Their Profession, Survey Shows

Editor Note:This is too pessimistic.  I would recommend a dual MBA/MD degree to my sons.
Business Insider, October 1, 2018
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A Doctor Was Sued For Malpractice. He Tried To Fight It. It Cost Him Nearly Everything.

Editor Note:I think the moral of this horror-story is that you should listen to your insurance company attorneys when they tell you to settle a claim.  Settle and move on. 
Tampa Bay Times, September 25, 2018
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Physicians Foundation 2018 Survey Results

Editor Note:  Check out this great study and see if you agree.
Forbes,  September 24, 2018
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Senate Passes Comprehensive Opioids Bill

CBS News, September 17, 2018
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Medical Liability Reforms Key To Texas Patient Access According To Texas Alliance For Patient Access 

Insurancenewsnet.com, September 13, 2018
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A surgeon is wearing a virtual reality headset in an operating room.

How Medivis Plans To Use Augmented Reality and Artificial Intelligence To Change Medicine

Editor Note: Wow, the future of medicine is fascinating.  
Diginomica, September 10, 2018
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Put the Risk Of A Malpractice Lawsuit Into Perspective

Dermatology Times, September 7, 2018

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Assessing the Environmental Impact of the Healthcare Industry

Editor Note: Food for thought?
MedicalBag.com, September 6, 2018

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Jury Out On How 'Tort Reform' ISSUE 1 Will Drive Down Premiums, Ramp Up Doctors' Interest

Editor Note: Arkansas medical providers are looking to tort reform to force even lower premiums.  Voters cast their votes for ISSUE 1 this November.
KUAR NPR, September 4, 2018

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Nurse Practitioners to Docs, Lawmakers: Give Us Our Independence

Managed Care, September 3, 2018

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How Modern Medicine Has Changed The Supreme Court

Editor Note: All eyes are on Washington DC for Judge Kavanaugh hearings. Timely article.
New York Times, August 31, 2018

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Cracking The Sugar Code: Why the 'Glycome' Is the Next Big Thing In Health and Medicine

Editor Note: Medicine is evolving so rapidly.  
The Conversation, August 28, 2018

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Medical Breakthroughs We Will See In The Next 50 Years

Editor Note: How will  medicine change going into the end of my lifetime? Great article for futurists and dreamers.  
Business Insider, August 25, 2018

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Three Questions Professionals Should Ask About Professional Liability Insurance

Editor Note: Medical Malpractice Insurance is a form of Professional Liability Insurance for Healthcare Providers.  Good questions to consider. 
Forbes, August 23, 2018
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Study: Apologizing To Patients Reduces Hospital Defense and Liability Costs

Editor Note: Check out this interesting study. 
Georgia State university Study,  August 22, 2018
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8 Unsolved Medical Mysteries That Still Stump Doctors

Editor Note: We love a great Reader's Digest mystery.  Enjoy.
Reader's Digest, August 14, 2018
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Effort To Screen Medical Malpractice Claims Falls Flat

Editor Note: Kentucky malpractice claim reviews are moving much slower than anticipated.  Paywall.
Messenger-Inquirer, August 7, 2018
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Physicians and Practices Should Prepare For Emergencies

Editor Note:Common sense dictates that ALL businesses should prepare for emergencies.  My office can help, feel free to call.
MedicalXpress, July 25, 2018
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Local Physician Opens New Practice Focusing on 'Quality Instead of Quantity'

Editor Note: Are patients willing to pay a flat monthly fee for Direct Primary Care (DPC)?  Is DPC an appropriate bridge between concierge medicine and the typical PPO/HMO?  Stay tuned.
Flathead Beacon, July 23, 2018
A doctor is talking to an elderly woman while pointing at a computer screen.

Alzheimer's Guidelines for Primary Care Announced

Editor Note: Alzheimer's Association releases clinical practice guidelines for primary care physicians.
Medpage Today, July 22, 2018
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Gynecologist Sues Woman For $1Million For Posting Negative Reviews

Editor Note: Not sure how we missed this article.  It's great to see a physician stand-up and push back against untrue reviews.
ABC13News, May 30, 2018
It is a painting of a group of people looking at a body.

What Philip Roth's 'The Anatomy Lesson' Can Teach Us About Pain and Addiction

Editor Note:Great article for all types of caregivers whose patients struggle with pain and addiction. 
StatNews, July 17, 2018
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36th Annual American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin Convention held in Ohio

News India Times, July 11, 2018
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How To Deal With 'Difficult' Patients

Editor Note: I'm sure every healthcare provider has a horror story involving a difficult patient.  This article offers some great advice.
Renal & Urology News, July 10, 2018
A female doctor is sitting at a desk looking at a laptop computer.

Physician Burnout, Depression Can Lead To Major Medical Errors: Study

Editor Note: I always schedule my medical appointments for 9AM.  I want my doctor to be fresh and well-rested. 
Dr Michael Macintyre, ABC News, July 9, 2018
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Can Social Media Have A Positive Impact On Global Healthcare?

Forbes, July 5, 2018
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Healthcare Client Alert: California Supreme Court Alters Independent Contractor Landscape

Editor Note: California medical providers such as ER physicians or home-healthcare NP's and PA's who may be employed as Independent Contractors (1099) should pay close attention to this ruling.  
JD Supra, June 29, 2018
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Wisconsin High Court Caps Some Malpractice Damages At $750K

Editor Note: This ruling has implications beyond the state of Wisconsin. Wisconsin is considered a relatively inexpensive state from a medical malpractice insurance standpoint.  Could rates go even lower?  Stay tuned.
Tampa Bay Times, June 27, 2018
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Medical Milestone: U.S. OK's Marijuana Based Drug For Seizures

Editor Note: Are physician-owned cannabis dispensaries the  next big thing?  It seems logical that new patients would rather have a licensed physician or caregiver prescribe and oversee their cannabis use.  Stay tuned.
Modern Healthcare, June 26, 2018
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These Are 2018's Most Influential Physicians

AMA Wire, June 25, 2018
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Ken Burns' Film On Mayo Clinic To Air September 25

Becker's Hospital Review, June 22, 2018
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How APRN, PA Scope of Practice Changes Boost Patient Care Access

Editor Note: Will increased competition really lead to better patient access and better results?  Stay tuned, this debate is far from over.

Patient EngagementHIT, June 21, 2018
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Atul Gawande Named Head Cost-Cutting Health-Care Venture From Amazon, Berkshire Hathaway and JPMorgan Chase

Editor Note: Paywall
Washington Post, June 20, 2018
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Pennsylvania Physicians Could Face More Medical Negligence Cases

Editor Note: If PA Supreme Court determines that trial judges can suppress expert witness testimony regarding a known complication, physician claim-defense may be more difficult and lead to less favorable outcomes.
AMA Wire, June 20, 2018
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Anesthesiologists Critical To Surgical Success

 The Hamilton Spectator, June 19, 2018
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Northwestern Medicine, Centegra Get Approval To Merge

Editor Note: The trend of consolidation in the healthcare industry continues.
Modernhealthcare.com, June 15, 2018
A stethoscope is laying on top of a twenty dollar bill

CT Malpractice Payments Rise

Editor Note: Less claims but higher payouts may lead to higher medical malpractice rates down the road.
Hartfordbusiness.com, June 14, 2018
A doctor is using a futuristic screen with a stethoscope on it.

Forget 'man vs. machine.' When doctors compete with artificial intelligence, patients lose.

The Washington Post (Paywall), June 12, 2018
A stethoscope and a wooden gavel on a white background

Doctors' Legal Risks With Medical Marijuana

Medscape (Requires Registration To View), June 10, 2018
A laptop computer with a thumbs up and speech bubbles coming out of it.

Online Consumer Ratings of Physicians Tend To Be Skewed

Infectious Disease Advisor,  June 8, 2018
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Ex-Commissioner, State Senator Advance in California Insurance Race

Claims Journal,  June 7, 2018
Three apples with a yellow card that says bad on it

A Few Bad Apples: Managing Malpractice Insurance Claims

medicalbag.com, June 4, 2018
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Baltimore Post-Examiner, May 30, 2018

Factors Affecting Doctors From Admitting Mistakes

A doctor is typing on a laptop computer at a desk.

Create an Online Physician Brand That Works

Editors Note -Great brand building advice from AMA   
AMA-Wire, May 21, 2018 
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Chubb Adds Dental Malpractice Insurance, Underwritten by The Doctors Company

PR Newswire, May 15, 2018
A person is holding a piece of paper that says lawsuit.

AMA: Almost Half of Older Physicians Have been Sued

HealthExec.com, January 24, 2018