INSURANCE CONSIDERATIONS
Medical professional liability insurance coverage is for errors or omissions causing injury during the performance of a medical professional’s duties. Louisiana Medical Malpractice Insurance Company (LAMMICO) is the LSMS-preferred provider of Medical Malpractice insurance and rated “A” by A.M. Best.
TIPS TO REDUCE THE THREAT OF A MALPRACTICE CLAIM IN YOUR OFFICE
• Careful listening to patients can lead to a more timely and accurate diagnosis, as well as a more satisfied patient. • A calendar log or suspense sheet can be created to ensure timely follow- up on receipt of test results. • After reading incoming reports from labs and consultants, initial and date prior to filing. • When too rushed to write complete notes, remember dictated notes are quick, legible, and tend to be more descriptive than handwritten documentation. • Avoid any appearance of an altered record: never scratch out, erase or obliterate with “write-overs” or “white out.”
• Use a routine format to ensure complete and defensible medical records.
• Preprinted forms can be used to easily document after hours phone messages and can later be secured in the patient’s record. • Utilize the consent form recommended by the Louisiana Medical Disclosure Panel, in addition to progress notes, to best document informed consent discussions, always remembering not to imply or guarantee treatment will be complication free. • Remember to advocate for your patients and avoid the appearance that economic considerations override sound medical judgement.
BILLING AND REIMBURSEMENT
An important part of today’s medical practice is getting reimbursed for services. The categories of physician reimbursement relationships are listed below.
TRADITIONAL INDEMNITY INSURANCE
The Louisiana market is dominated by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana, which offers traditional indemnity insurance, PPO, and HMO plans. Indemnity plans allow you to direct your own health care and visit almost any doctor or hospital you like. The insurance company then pays a set portion of your total charges. Indemnity plans are also referred to as “fee-for-service” plans.
La State Med Soc NEW PHYSICIAN’S GUIDE 21
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