Practice Management

The American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology stopped issuing their usual certificates in 2008 and have switched to a "maintenance of certification" protocol that requires all ob/gyns to walk through a more demanding 6-year process involving CME offerings, a written examination, and chart reviews.

State medical societies are conducting economic impact studies to show that physician practices pump billions of dollars into local and state economies through payrolls and purchases of local goods and services, so that local businesses and government assist physician practices with small business loans, etc.

Fear of litigation, damage to reputation, and ostracism by peers have been responsible for a "code of silence." The wiser course in most circumstances is to reveal one's mistakes, and have a well thought out protocol for providing full disclosure.

Department of Health and Human Services refuses to release data on grounds that doing so would infringe on physicians' privacy rights.

The Joint Commission announced that it will revise and develop accreditation standards for culturally competent patient care in hospitals.

It's still possible-with a solid banking relationship, a sharp business plan, and ample collateral.

To maintain a financially healthy practice, obgyns may want to think about alternative malpractice insurance, ancillary services, and astute retirement planning.

Malpractice insurance: Experts give pros and cons of alternatives to traditional liability insurance: risk retention groups and captives.

Wise investments, optimal stock allocation, an understanding of the social security system, and expert financial advice can help physicians achieve a comfortable lifestyle.

According to an insurer "report card" released by the AMA, insurers' claim payments are often late and inaccurate.

A nurse employed by a clinic was charged for allegedly wrongfully disclosing a patient's protected health information and using it for personal gain and malicious intent.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologist urge support of ACOG's "Health Care for Women, Health Care for All" campaign.

Majority of physicians do not use EHRs.

Recommendations to help audit-proof your ultrasound practice.

Some doctors are doing it successfully, but costs and logistics can be a challenge.

ACOG has launched a new program designed to help more physicians send prescriptions to pharmacies electronically.

Medical malpractice insurance premiums may fall in the near future.

This year, physicians can expect to find it easier to get medical malpractice insurance and to pay lower rates for it than in the past.

Number of disciplinary actions against doctors fell for the third straight year in 2007.

Clinicians surveyed 1,039 women who delivered at Robert Wood Johnson University, ob/gyn division regarding what women want from an ob/gyn practice.

Contemporary OBGYN offers several practical tools to help solve everyday problems, including a a more evidence-based search engine, a coding counselor, and a guide to pay for performance programs.

The government, nonprofit hospitals, insurers, and technology companies have been striving to get doctors and patients to embrace electronic and personal health records.

In a survey of faculty and resident physicians at three teaching hospitals, researchers found that 92% of 338 respondents would report a hypothetical error it it resulted in major harm.

Here's how to dissect EHR bids to make sure you're getting the best deal.

Recent articles attest to a growing interest in an alternative way to provide reimbursement for health-care services in both the United States and Great Britain. Individual physicians, multispecialty groups, and hospitals are rewarded for meeting pre-established quality and/or expense targets for their services.

At some point you may need to consider merging the practice into a hospital or larger group. Like all processses of growth, merging medical practices can involve risk and a certain amount of pain. Here's how to prepare yourself for the transition.

Think of this legal expert's advice as your personal GPS for deftly navigating a maze of employment law challenges and preventing costly litigation.

To preserve or enhance your income, you need to master the local medical marketplace.