Podcasts about medical liability

This episode features Liz Warman and Mandy Johnson from the Kansas Health Care Collaborative and focuses on the organization's transition-in-care program that aims to leverage Health Information Exchange (HIE) to reduce care fragmentation and improve health outcomes by developing processes, workflows, and policies in clinics. This initiative is supported by grant funding from the Copic Medical Foundation and the model used has shown significant efficacy in reducing readmissions. The program received a high level of engagement from clinics and hospitals across Kansas and next steps include creating a rural network of facilities using HIE data, with the goal of scaling the model nationally to improve rural healthcare quality and reduce costs. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Medication errors are traditionally defined as an avoidable event, but they don't just happen during the prescribing phase. In fact, it's important to remember that there are many steps—transcribing, dispensing, and administering—where an error can occur. To learn more about pediatric medication errors specifically, we invited COPIC Patient Safety and Risk Manager, Kayla Boyd, to the podcast. In this episode, Kayla looks at the overall process of pediatric medication prescription, from diagnosis to accurate compilation of records to ongoing monitoring. Plus, you'll hear about ways to avoid adverse outcomes and mitigate risks with young children, appropriate ways to handle transfer of prescriptions, and continuing education to prevent mistakes. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

In this episode, Matt Groves, Copic's General Counsel, talks about the impact of recent federal executive orders and legislation on healthcare providers. He provides general information about new federal initiatives and their potential risks, emphasizing the rapid changes and uncertainty in the legal landscape. Matt explains the differences between executive orders and legislation, and the concept of federal preemption over state laws. The discussion also covers the executive order on gender-affirming care, its implications for funding, and the potential risks for healthcare providers, including criminal and civil liabilities. In addition, the episode addresses issues related to immigration enforcement and abortion, providing guidance on how healthcare providers can navigate these complex legal areas.Note: Episode recorded Thursday 2/20/25 Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

For this episode, we sit down with Copic's General Counsel, Matt Groves, to talk about non-compete agreements in the medical field. The discussion starts with looking at the purpose of non-compete agreements such as protecting patient revenue, preventing competition, and safeguarding the investment in recruiting and developing physicians. Matt highlights key legal terminology (e.g., non-solicit, non-disclosure, and liquidated damages clauses), the various ways these agreements are enforced, and how they may vary by state. In addition, he reinforces the importance of seeking legal advice before signing non-competes, especially in situations where you are negotiating terms. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode features Mary Tucker and Garrett Chism discussing an interprofessional education pilot program between Metropolitan State University of Denver and Denver Health. The program is supported by a grant from the Copic Medical Foundation and focuses on simulation training for nursing and EMT students to improve patient outcomes. The objectives include evaluating critical changes in patient assessment, completing trauma assessments, and demonstrating closed-loop communication. A key aim is to teach students from different disciplines to communicate effectively and understand each other's roles to reduce errors in patient care. Metropolitan State University Nursing Program: https://www.msudenver.edu/nursingDenver Health EMT training program: https://www.denverhealth.org/paramedics Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

We welcome Beth Chow, an occurrence nurse with Copic, who provides some great perspective about the benefits and value of early reporting of incidents. Beth explains the interchangeable terms "occurrence" and "incident" and clarifies what constitutes an adverse event and the types of events you should report to your medical liability insurance carrier. She goes on to explain how Copic's reporting process works, why early reporting does not negatively impact your policy or premiums, and how early intervention programs like Copic's 3Rs Program and Candor help resolve issues and maintain open communication with patients. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Links/ResourcesU.S. Preventive Services Task Force- https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/uspstf/American Cancer Society- https://www.cancer.org/American College of Gastroenterology -https://gi.org/ Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Amy Herum, a nurse and patient safety and risk manager with Copic, joins us to talk about the purpose and scope of EMTALA. Amy explains the situations that trigger EMTALA obligations and the definition and assessment of an “emergency medical condition.”The discussion then looks at the requirements and process of transferring a patient under EMTALA, the penalties and consequences of violating EMTALA, and the conditions that end EMTALA obligations such as when a medical screening exam shows no emergency medical condition, the patient is transferred to another hospital in compliance, or when the patient refuses examination, treatment, or transfer and signs an informed refusal or against medical advice form. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Our guest is Anna Barr, a patient safety and risk manager with Copic, who joins us to talk about terminating the provider-patient relationship. The discussion starts by looking at the main considerations before terminating a patient: trying to mend the relationship by using effective communication and conflict resolution skills, assessing the clinical situation, the risk of abandonment, the possibility of discrimination, and the contractual obligations that may apply. Anna then highlights key termination steps such as notifying and assisting the patient, and documentation. She also talks about the benefits of having a practice-wide policy for non-compliance or disruptive behavior that can help prevent situations that may lead to termination. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode features Renee Blattman, a nurse and risk manager with Copic, who has 20 years of experience in the perioperative environment. The discussion focuses on the challenges and risks in this environment—a high-paced, high-volume, and fast-turnover setting, where there is a lot of pressure to keep the patients moving and the OR schedule tight. Renee talks about the growth and trends in ambulatory surgery centers along with the increased risks of discharge and follow-up care, as patients may need more education and support at home. In addition, she highlights how a culture of safety is essential and how this includes being proactive, collaborative, and mindful as a team. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

In this episode, our guest is Heather Westermeyer, a Patient Safety and Risk Manager with COPIC, and the topic is documentation. Heather highlights the role documentation plays in continuity of care—from ensuring an accurate medical history to supporting communication among providers. She also talks about how documentation serves a key purpose in legal protection/defense in medical liability issues and the importance of articulating your thought process. In addition, the discussion touches on best practices, standardized templates and protocols, and the dangers of copying and pasting. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

LaDonna Kelley, a nurse risk manager with COPIC, is the guest for this episode, which looks at patient safety and risk management for geriatric patients. LaDonna tells a personal story about the challenges with caring for this patient population and how certain situational factors impact their care experience. She mentions issues such as hearing limitations, technology, and mobility and being aware of these during interactions. The conversation also examines communication challenges and the importance of clear communication with geriatric patients. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

In this episode, we talk with Carrie Beth Roddy, a COPIC Patient Safety and Risk Manager, who joins Dr. Zacharias for a conversation on Just Culture. Carrie starts with defining the concept of Just Culture, explaining how it is being integrated into traditional medical culture, and the importance of using it to create opportunities to prevent future medical errors. We dig into the difference between human and system errors, factors that contribute to Just Culture's success, how it facilitates more open discussions among providers while ensuring the highest level of safe treatment for patients, and ways that it supports meaningful interactions in the healthcare workplace. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Anna Barr, a nurse risk manager with COPIC, joins us for this episode to talk about the benefits of using informed consent in your medical practice. Anna highlights how informed consent is a process (not just a form), the goals of shared decision making that guide this, and how it can be a tool to foster trust and understanding with patients. In addition, we look at what situations require informed consent and key considerations in how you approach the process. Anna also explains what informed refusal is, how this differs from “against medical advice,” and provides examples of when you may want to utilize it. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode features COPIC Patient Safety and Risk Manager, Amanda Heinrichs, who discusses the importance of documentation—from sharing patient information with other medical team members to supporting care decisions. Amanda covers a wide breadth of documentation issues, such as limiting documentation to only facts about the case, moving past finger-pointing in the event of an undesirable outcome, and timely documentation to ensure quality of care. Furthermore, she talks about insights from attorneys, the pros and cons of using scribes, and conducting assessments to evaluate what is going on with patients to support your documentation. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

COPIC Patient Safety and Risk Manager Cindy Walsh is our guest to set the record straight on medical records retention—giving us insight into ethical obligations, key considerations when referring patients or closing a practice, and the importance of having a clear records maintenance/retention policy. Furthermore, Cindy outlines how regular record audits and attention to state mandates now can prevent retention headaches in the future.Resources mentioned in the episode:Medical record laws overview- www.HealthIT.govHIPAA- www.HHS.govRecord retention ethics- https://www.ama-assn.org/ Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Alan Lembitz, Senior Medical Director and vice president of patient safety and risk management at COPIC. With over a decade of experience, Dr. Lembitz has spearheaded innovative initiatives, overseen comprehensive educational programs, and addressed critical issues in medical liability. Join us as we dive into his invaluable insights on enhancing patient safety and mitigating risks in healthcare.Thank you to our podcast sponsor: Foster Group

Dr. Susan Sgambati, a colorectal surgeon and medical director with COPIC, is our guest on this episode that looks at the increased use of semaglutide medications driven by the popularity of Ozempic being used for weight loss. The discussion focuses on liability and risk issues, including recently issued FDA warning letters surrounding the use of compounded forms of the medication. Dr. Sgambati talks about how the medication works, side effects, how to assess patients who are interested in these medications, and other considerations as part of your evaluation.      Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Pamela Johnson—a nurse and Senior Manager of Practice Quality and Facilities Risk Management at COPIC—joins us for a discussion about data around patient falls in health care facilities. Pamela highlights the top three areas where falls occur in these settings and talks about top risk factors that contribute to these incidents. She also points to adjustments that can make an immediate preventative impact, such as proper lighting and pathways, the importance of environmental rounds, and dispels major myths about falls and healthcare. CDC STEADI- Older Adult Fall Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/steadi/index.htmlJohn Hopkins- Fall Prevention- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/preventing-fallsJohn Hopkins- Fall Risk Assessment- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/institute_nursing/_docs/JHFRAT/JHFRAT%20Tools/JHFRAT_acute%20care%20original_6_22_17.pdf Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

Anna Barr, a nurse risk manager with COPIC, joins us for this episode to talk about the benefits of using informed consent in your medical practice. Anna highlights how informed consent is a process (not just a form), the goals of shared decision making that guide this, and how it can be a tool to foster trust and understanding with patients. In addition, we look at what situations require informed consent and key considerations in how you approach the process. Anna also explains what informed refusal is, how this differs from “against medical advice,” and provides examples of when you may want to utilize it. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode is part of a special series that focuses on organizations that received grant funding from the COPIC Medical Foundation for initiatives that address the issue of reducing fragmentation across care settings. Dr. Zacharias welcomes back Jennifer Disabato, DNP, and William Anderson, MD, who are co-directors for the ImPACT Program and Navigation Hub, which focuses on care coordination for complex pediatric patients as they transition to adult care. Jennifer and Dr. Anderson talk about the progress made in building skilled teams to support patients going through these transitions. In addition, they discuss the other key focus of the program—coaching medical clinics on these transitions through trainings, evidenced-based templates, and resources to address EHR communication challenges and other related issues.   Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode is part of a special series that focuses on organizations that received grant funding from the COPIC Medical Foundation for initiatives that address the issue of reducing fragmentation across care settings. Dr. Zacharias welcomes two staff members from West Mountain Regional Health Alliance—Christina Gair, Executive Director, and Namrata Shrestha, Assistant Director. Grant funding went toward a care coordination effort to support individuals experiencing homelessness with coordination by hospitals, health and behavioral health providers, community organizations and government agencies. The discussion looks at the challenges of coordination across multiple organizations and different workflows, consideration of factors such as social needs (e.g., food, housing, transportation) and behavioral health, and the importance of creating a useful tool that helps “connect the dots” for care teams.    Guest Website: https://westmountainhealthalliance.org/  Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode is part of a special series that focuses on organizations that received grant funding from the COPIC Medical Foundation for initiatives that address the issue of reducing fragmentation across care settings. Dr. Zacharias welcomes Dr. Matthew Gonzales and Dr. Deborah Unger who are affiliated with a grant provided to the Providence Portland Medical Foundation. Grant funding supported Providence and the Oregon Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Registry for a partnership to build a bi-directional interface which integrates Providence's Epic electronic health record with the Registry. Dr. Gonzales and Dr. Unger discuss about how POLST is designed to respect people's wishes around care/treatment inside and outside of health care settings. They also talk about how POLST is utilizing digital technology to inform others across different systems, the challenge of state-by-state legislation, and the insight gained through the project so far. Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

This episode is part of a special series that focuses on organizations that received grant funding from the COPIC Medical Foundation for initiatives that address the issue of reducing fragmentation across care settings. Dr. Zacharias welcomes Tori Bahr, MD and Katie Stangl who are affiliated with a grant provided to the Minnesota Medical Association Foundation. Grant funding supported Project ECHO, which focuses on the challenge of transitioning youth with medical complexity to adult care in Minnesota. The discussion explains the different conditions that fall under “childhood onset medical complexity” and how the ECHO hub-and-spoke model leverages virtual collaboration to expand expertise and knowledge, and connects providers across different settings to address patient care issues.Show Email- WNLpodcast@COPIC.comGillette Children's Hospital Transitions - https://www.gillettechildrens.org/get-involved/attend-an-event#medical-professionalsLegal Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.    

Many hospitals have gone beyond malpractice and actively caused death by using unwanted DNR (Do Not Resusitate), violating informed consent, etc. A lawsuit alleging "battery", essentially murder, is being allowed to go to trial on that basis. The wording of the complaint is essential for those who've lost loved ones during, after, and even before Covid protocols. Scott Schara, OurAmazingGrace.net joins to talk about the latest victory in his quest to get justice for his daughter Grace and to reform these practices for the benefit of everyone.Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

Many hospitals have gone beyond malpractice and actively caused death by using unwanted DNR (Do Not Resusitate), violating informed consent, etc. A lawsuit alleging "battery", essentially murder, is being allowed to go to trial on that basis. The wording of the complaint is essential for those who've lost loved ones during, after, and even before Covid protocols. Scott Schara, OurAmazingGrace.net joins to talk about the latest victory in his quest to get justice for his daughter Grace and to reform these practices for the benefit of everyone.Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.comIf you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-showOr you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Money is only what YOU hold: Go to DavidKnight.gold for great deals on physical gold/silverFor 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to TrendsJournal.com and enter the code KNIGHT

Documentation in medicine is no one's favorite topic. In this episode, host Dr. Eric Zacharias aims to simplify guidance surrounding “what” and “how much” is needed for patient safety and risk management purposes. What follows is not “hard” science, but rather a discussion of basic criteria—and what's realistic and reasonable outside of policy rules and guidelines.Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.

In this episode, we are joined by David Weill, MD, a transplant doctor and author of Exhale: Hope, Healing, and a Life in Transplant. Dr. Weill shares openly about losing and saving patients, dysfunctional teams and systems, and burnout in transplant medicine. Through the lens of his own emotional and physical exhaustion, he explores the underbelly of hospital systems and the clinical, administrative, and financial issues plaguing the specialty. He is an advocate of shifting the blame of burnout away from the individual and placing it on the macro problems that contribute to physician dissatisfaction. 

We continue the conversation about artificial intelligence (AI) in this second episode of a two-part series. Our guest is Dr. Michael Victoroff, a family medicine physician, patient safety and risk management specialist, and clinical informatics expert. Dr. Victoroff uses image interpretation in radiology as an example of AI because it sees things humans miss and humans see things AI misses. We look at other AI applications—support for diagnosing and creating a treatment plan, concerns with visit notes (e.g., inaccuracies, information designed for billing purposes versus information for patient care, bias that can emerge, etc.), and the knowledge medical providers will need to acquire about AI's role in medicine. In addition, Dr. Victoroff highlights key risk considerations such as cyber risks, AI impersonation of other medical professionals and facilities, and how this technology may extend into our personal lives.Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  

In this two-part series, we look at the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) and examine the potential ways it may impact medicine. Our guest is Dr. Michael Victoroff, a family medicine physician, patient safety and risk management specialist, and clinical informatics expert who has gone down the rabbit hole of trying to understand the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI. Dr. Victoroff explains the fundamental technology behind AI applications, such as ChatGPT, and its interactive structure designed to generate human-like language and conversation. He talks about the concept of machine learning, how the “garbage in, garbage out” theory applies, and the “black box” dilemma of not knowing exactly how this technology got to its answers and what sources or information were used. We then look at the potential roles of AI in health care related to replacing scribes and documentation, voice recognition and language translation capabilities, and the ever-present concerns over accuracy and inadvertent errors that may arise.   Feedback or episode ideas email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  

In this episode, we look at a major challenge in obstetrics (OB) care with our guest, Lori Adams, who is a nurse, COPIC risk manager, and OB expert. Lori talks about her experience in a rural hospital and educating providers. The discussion focuses on “maternity care deserts” where access to OB services is limited or not available. Lori highlights how these deserts contribute to maternal death rates, the disparities we are seeing in certain geographic and demographic areas, and how emergency care units are dealing with OB situations. She also points to the training and education that is being implemented to address this issue and how state-level perinatal collaboratives are working to improve maternal health.Resources mentioned: https://www.marchofdimes.org/maternity-care-deserts-reportEmail the show: wnlpodcast@copic.comLegal Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.   

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Shanta Zimmer, associate dean for diversity and inclusion at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Dr. Zimmer talks about how the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted racial disparities and health care inequities in severity of illness and the role the health care system ultimately plays in systemically-addressing social determinants of health. She also speaks on how the university is working toward inclusive excellence and removing barriers that prevent the best and brightest from entering medical education. The COPIC Medical Foundation has supported diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) scholarships for medical students and purchased simulation equipment for medical education, including a set of diverse mannequins to better represent patients and students.Show email: wmlpodcast@copic.comgreenhousescholars.orghttps://www.cuanschutz.edu/offices/advancement/homeDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  

In this episode, we're joined by surgeon and COPIC risk manager, Dr. Jeff Varnell. Starting with the premise that, like driving, the practice of medicine is governed by systemic rules and dependent on individual responsibility, Dr. Varnell uses metaphors and general understandings we hold about driving to illustrate how adverse events in medicine are often avoidable and preventable, like many of our road-based accidents. He invites listeners to examine through a lens of personal accountability the human factors that lead to errors in communication and cognitive bias, including "reckless" versus "risky" behavior.  a Email: wnlpodcast@copic.comDisclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  

Understanding the regulatory environment is key to managing risks associated with working with advanced practice providers (APPs), Dr. Alan Lembitz, COPIC's Chief Medical Officer says. But he cautions providers to understand this isn't always simple. He reminds providers that it's on them to ensure they are following the regulatory rules, which vary based on state and provider type. COPIC has seen cases of plaintiff attorneys alleging APPs practicing outside of the scope of licensure and inadequate supervision. In this episode, Dr. Lembitz breaks down high-risk areas, as well as what physicians and APPs need to know about managing risks in all practice settings.***Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  On Demand Courses mentioned are restricted to COPIC Insured Providers and not open to the public. 

This episode's guest is Scott Humphreys, MD, forensic psychologist and medical director of the Colorado Physician Health Program (CPHP). This nonprofit independent peer assistance program provides licensed professionals with confidential, individualized evaluation and treatment referrals for health problems such as psychiatric illness and substance abuse. Dr. Humphreys discusses the stigma associated with physicians transitioning into the role of patient and the approach CPHP takes to ensure they can ultimately have a healthy practice and healthy life.  Disclaimer: Information provided in this podcast should not be relied upon for personal, medical, legal, or financial decisions and you should consult an appropriate professional for specific advice that pertains to your situation. Health care providers should exercise their professional judgment in connection with the provision of healthcare services. The information contained in this podcast is not intended to be, nor is it, a substitute for medical diagnosis, treatment, advice, or judgment relative to a patient's specific condition.  

In this episode, Dr. Jeffrey Varnell, a former surgeon and risk management consultant, reflects back on things physicians wished they would have learned during their medical residencies and when they first started their practice. In particular, he talks about effectively utilizing professional review, onboarding and managing expectations around a practice's policies and procedures (from billing to EHRs), the importance of peer support and mentorship, and the benefits of creating a “toolkit” to help new physicians integrate into the practice setting.  Show email: wnlpodcast@copic.com

The episode's guest is Chanda Hinton, the founder and executive director of the Chanda Plan Foundation, who also helps run the Chanda Center for Health, an organization that helps people living with long-term disabilities through integrative health care. The discussion focuses on looking at health care through a lens of disability and disparity, and how medical providers can help address this. Chanda talks about her organization's belief that “people living with long-term physical disabilities have the right to create their own healthcare path, live independently, and be active members in community” and the various ways they support this ideal. She also highlights an online, CME-accredited course that was created to educate medical providers about patients with disabilities and the major challenges they face as well as overcoming systematic barriers to serve this patient population.Show email: wnlpodcast@copic.comWebsite: https://chandacenter.org/Educational Course: https://chandacenter.org/what-we-do/#education

This episode is part of a special series that focuses on organizations that received grant funding from the COPIC Medical Foundation for initiatives that address the issue of reducing fragmentation across care settings. Dr. Zacharias welcomes Olivia Soutullo, a psychologist and Director of Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Services at Children's National (Washington, D.C.). Olivia highlights how grant funding from the Foundation was used to support a program aimed at improving coordination of pediatric mental care after psychiatric hospitalization. She talks about some of the key challenges faced in these situations, the importance of connecting with the families involved and helping them navigate mental health resources, and how they are evaluating outcomes to determine success as well as gathering insight to guide long-term efforts in this area. Email the show: wnlpodcast@copic.comAbout | Children's National Hospital Foundation (childrensnational.org)

This episode examines patients who present with chest pain and how this can run the full spectrum of being a minor irritation to a more serious condition that requires immediate attention. Dr. Zacharias draws upon his experience in internal medicine to talk about using clinical judgment to work through an assessment. He delves into using a differential diagnosis approach, addressing emergency situations, and evaluating considerations based on a patient's medical history. In addition, Dr. Zacharias looks at how mental health conditions can influence chest pain and tests to rule in (and rule out) certain conditions. Show email wnlpodcast@copic.com

Due to recent active shooter situations and a renewed focus on the safety of health care providers, COPIC is re-releasing this past episode. Some providers may draw a strict boundary about discussing guns with their patients (or not think about it). But research has shown there are situations when access to firearms is a potential risk factor and raising this issue can be not only appropriate but necessary. Dr. Michael Victoroff, who is a firearms safety expert, addresses some scenarios associated with guns that can arise in the clinical setting. These range from imminent danger (e.g., suicide risk) to general considerations that vary from household to household (e.g., storage methods). Dr. Victoroff offers guidance on how to approach this topic with non-confrontational questions and suggestions for credible resources for healthcare providers.

Dr. Fanaroff is a Professor of Pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Medicine in Cleveland. He is a neonatologist as well as Director of the Rainbow Center for Pediatric Ethics at Rainbow Babies & Children's Hospital. Dr. Fanaroff earned his law degree from the University of Virginia School of Law and his medical degree from the CWRU School of Medicine, where he was elected to the AOA Medical Honor Society. During his second year of neonatology training at Rainbow, he commuted to Chicago and completed an ethics fellowship at the University of Chicago. Dr. Fanaroff's research interests center on ethical and legal issues in neonatology and pediatrics.  He is the immediate past Chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Medical Liability and Risk Management. He lives in Cleveland with his wife Kristy, a neonatal nurse practitioner, and children Mason, Cole, and Brooke.Find out more about Jonathan Fanaroff and this episode at: www.the-incubator.org/065-dr-jonathan-fanaroff-md-jd______________________________________________________________________________________As always, feel free to send us questions, comments or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through instagram or twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. enjoy!This podcast is proudly sponsored by Chiesi.

This episode's guest is Jody Thomas, PhD, Founder/Chief Executive Officer of The Meg Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to empower families with the pain management strategies, skills, and support they need to prevent and reduce pain. The discussion examines how “fear of needles” and health care avoidance can develop in early childhood, and what strategies can be implemented—by parents and medical providers—to prevent negative associations with medical care. Thomas highlights some best practices for pain management with children, such as over-the-counter numbing creams and comforting techniques, and talks about resources they have developed in partnership with health care organizations to support physicians. In addition, she talks about how her organization has used its experience to address vaccine hesitancy, the role anxiety plays in this, and how they have shared insight to help overcome these barriers. 

Our guest for this episode is Dr. Dan Rosenquist, a family medicine physician in Nebraska and risk manager for COPIC. The focus is on Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, which are commonly caused by medications or infections and typically present as skin reactions. Dr. Rosenquist walks through the causes and symptoms to be aware of, the role of certain medications in this condition, and discussing the issue with patients. The conversation also touches on having a high index of suspicion, particularly early in its presentation, as the findings may be subtle or confused with more common conditions. Email the show at wnlpodcast@copic.com

Ep. 49 of the Cyber Law Revolution is live!In this episode, I discuss the recent data breach with the Texas Department of Insurance and its widespread implications.Also, I dive into the cyber compliance vulnerabilities with medical institutions. Enjoy!

This episode's guest is Dr. Will Van Derveer, a recognized leader in integrative psychiatry, who shares his insight about using ketamine to treat depression and the different schools of thought about how it should be used. He provides some background about the origins of ketamine use in medicine and research studies that demonstrated positive results for patients with depression. The discussion touches on the concerns with ketamine (diversion and addiction), the duration of benefit, “rule outs” to consider, and the influence of Michael Pollan's book, How to Change Your Mind, on the renewed interest in psychedelics as therapeutic tools. Based on his experience, Dr. Van Derveer also talks about creating the optimal setting and preparing patients for this type of treatment as well as taking an integrative approach that looks at underlying issues, such as diet and lifestyle habits, that contribute to depression.

Dr. Sue Sgambati, COPIC's Medical Director and a colorectal surgeon, returns to the podcast to discuss risks and guidelines associated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Dr. Sgambati talks about the background behind utilizing this approach and how a reduced recovery time led to improved patient and provider satisfaction. However, one of the concerns that has emerged is the risk of bile duct injuries (BDIs). Dr. Sgambati focuses on guidelines developed from a multi-society consensus that identify optimal strategies for the prevention of BDIs. In particular, she highlights five key guidelines to consider, provides some real-life context from her experience as a surgeon, and reinforces the importance of documenting your thought process with any type of medical procedure.    Email comments and suggestions to WNLpodcast@copic.com

Taped live at the annual Patient Safety & Risk Management Forum, this episode features a panel discussion with Dr. Zacharias, Dr. Alan Lembitz, COPIC's Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Sue Sgambati, COPIC's Medical Director. Using a series of real case studies, the panel highlights key patient safety and risk management principles based on where we consistently see medical liability issues. The cases cover topics such as “normalized deviance” that occurs with system workarounds; empowering medical staff to voice concerns; common diagnostic errors associated with heads, hearts, bellies, bugs, and cancer; the importance of checking vital signs; subtle symptoms that can turn into severe issues; paying attention to pain out of proportion; and more. In addition, the physicians talk about the art of disclosure along with burnout prevention and wellness strategies. Show email: wnlpodcast@copic.com

Dr. Alan Lembitz, COPIC's Chief Medical Officer, joins us to talk about managing situations where patients make decisions about their care that you don't believe is in their best interest. Using a case study review, we analyze a scenario that illustrates the importance of using an informed refusal form to document a patient's choice that goes against your recommended care. This presents a challenge in balancing the concerns of protecting your patient while protecting yourself from a medical liability lawsuit. In addition, we look at factors such as patient competency, reasons why patients may refuse care (including financial concerns), documentation guidelines, the difference of informed refusal versus “against medical advice,” and navigating the process of shared decision-making. Podcast Email: wnlpodcast@copic.com 

Dr. Dennis Boyle, COPIC physician risk manager, joins the podcast again to talk with Dr. Zacharias about ongoing issues we see with medication errors. These include drug-to-drug interactions, medications that are most prevalent in medical liability lawsuits (antibiotics, pain medicine, and anticoagulants), and awareness about black box warnings. Dr. Boyle walks through some case studies to illustrate why errors occur and highlights steps physicians can take to proactively address these situations. The conversation also covers the importance of documenting your thought process when prescribing, the use of “read backs,” the “five rights” of medication use (right patient, right drug, right time, right dose, and right route), the challenges of drug monitoring.     Show Email: WNLpodcast@copic.com