Outpatient Surgery Magazine - Subscribers

Fair and Equal Pay? - January 2016 - Outpatient Surgery Magazine

Outpatient Surgery Magazine, providing current information on Surgical Services, Surgical Facility Administration, Outpatient Surgery News and Trends, OR Excellence and more.

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O ngoing stud- ies show a simple truth: Patients don't usual- ly sue providers they like. It's easier for a patient to forgive the physician who sits and honestly explains what hap- pened, than the rude one who can't spare 5 minutes to answer questions. The University of Michigan has a long- standing policy whereby providers and administrators meet with patients who have suffered mal-outcomes, apologize and compensate them for monetary losses. This recognize-apologize-compensate pro- gram has resulted in a 60% reduction in medical liability claims. Here's what you can do to avoid a medical liability lawsuit after an adverse event. Exp l ai n wh a t h a p p e n e d When an unintended outcome occurs, your first thought may be to call your attorney. While that's usually a good first step, I strongly argue that this shouldn't cause a significant delay in talking to the patient and their family. Providing a clear explanation to the patient is the priority. It's one of the toughest situations you face as a provider, but talking J A N U A R Y 2 0 1 6 • O U T PA T I E N TS U R G E R Y. N E T • 3 3 Medical Malpractice Thomas Fleeter, MD Talking Your Way Out of a Lawsuit It's simple — patients don't sue providers they like. • OPEN COMMUNICATION Talking honestly and openly with patients doesn't only help you avoid litigation — it's simply good practice. Jason Meehan

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