Doctors' Legal Forum - Medical Economics

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Doctors' Legal Forum is the physician's guide through the legal minefield of today's medical practice.

News: Federal government to send out '07 PQRI bonuses
September 5, 2008
U.S. Court in New Jersey Sides with Physician in Claims Case Against Insurer
August 26, 2008
Liability issues after dismissing a patient
I have a patient who has been noncompliant for several years and I have sent him a letter of dismissal. I still have not heard back regarding where he wants his medical records sent and he is on several medications that must be refilled soon. I'm sure he's going to try to request refills again after 30 days. One of his medications needs to be monitored closely and cannot be discontinued for any length of time if it is to remain effective. Can I be held liable in any way if I deny his request for refills after the 30 day period?
When a patient refuses to take a test
I have a patient who's been prescribed Warfarin. She has been asked repeatedly to go for PT-INR testing but refuses. The last testing several months ago required us to change her dose and I'm sure it will need adjusting again, but there is no way of knowing until I get results from the refused tests. I would think that I'd be held liable if I refill the medication and it causes bleeding or if it's ineffective, but I would think that I could be held liable for not refilling the medication, too! What do I do?
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A wrap-up of state laws and regulations that affect medical practices, compiled by the law firm of Kern Augustine Conroy & Schoppmann, PC, with offices and affiliates in Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. (California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Texas are currently listed. Look for your state as more states are added.)

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