September 2008

Louise B. Andrew is a fifth-generation physician who has made a career of serving health professionals in distress after her own experience dealing with a medical malpractice suit.

Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems hold great promise. However, like many new technologies, the difficulty of achieving EHRs' promise has been vastly underestimated, as have the risks. The current national initiatives pushing for widespread EHR implementation may be leading us into an unmapped minefield.

Consider this hypothetical situation: A patient with new onset of a major depression is evaluated by a physician who has found no evidence of suicidal ideation.

Many physicians are skeptical about getting involved in the practice, and rightfully so. Sermo and other online physician communities are rife with posts and comments from physicians who know colleagues who have stretched the truth or even lied on the stand because of personal beliefs or compensation.

One of the most important legal documents in your practice may have a significant impact on your finances. And even though you (or someone in your practice) agreed to abide by its terms and conditions, it's highly likely that you have never even read it.

According to an article published in the June 17, 2008 edition of the New York Times, declining reimbursements, managed care, physician shortages (especially in primary care), and concerns about malpractice are contributing to doctors' discontent.

David Van Avermaete, CEO of VeraLight, a medical device company, discusses the SCOUT DS non-invasive diabetes screening system and the importance of early detection in type 2 diabetes.