Abstracts » Health

Should it go in the bank? Officials weigh open claims and reporting thresholds

Article Abstract:

Officials of the Department of Health and Human Resources differ on whether all medical malpractice and disciplinary claims should be listed in the National Practitioner Data Bank of the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). Many physicians, dentists and other licensed practitioners settle minor claims to avoid the expense of trial. The AMA and other authorities recommend a reporting threshold, but HRSA favors reporting all claims, partly because setting a threshold would burden insurance carriers with paper work.

Admin. of public health programs, Medical personnel, Information services, United States. Health Resources and Services Administration

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Fertility doctor's conviction fuels issue of self-policing

Article Abstract:

The ability of physicians to police themselves was called into question with the conviction of gynecologist Cecil B. Jacobson on 52 counts of lying and fraudulently deceiving women. Many local physicians knew he lied to patients, but Jacobson maintained a practice for 12 years because no one reported him to the appropriate authorities during that time. He might have been reported sooner if more legal protection for reporting incompetent and unethical physicians had been in place.

Cases, Laws, regulations and rules, Medical ethics, Sperm donors, Jacobson, Cecil B.

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Ethics panel lets doctor congressman keep practicing

Article Abstract:

The House ethics committee will permit a representative to continue his practice while charging only for expenses. Rep. Tom Coburn argued that newly adopted rules disallowing representatives to charge for services in a fiduciary relationship prevented him from remaining associated with his medical partnership. Rules governing expense billings will be developed.

Legislative Bodies, Physicians & Surgeons, Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists), Congressional Operations, Practice, Medical professions, Employment, Legislators

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