Integrating Physician Practices into a Hospital Risk Management Program

Program Description

Over the past decade, the healthcare industry has seen an upward shift in the number of physician practices acquired by hospitals and healthcare systems. Even though the industry has experienced this trend before, the current cycle is unique due to two new factors:

• New physicians entering the workforce are more interested in maintaining a work-life balance and do not want the responsibility of managing an office.
• Regulatory changes are causing pressure to create Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and a value-based payment system.

It is important to understand the operation and environment of the practice prior to and after the acquisition so you can prepare to mitigate and manage any associated risks. This recorded webinar will address potential system breakdowns, the most common claim allegations, factors that contribute to patient injury, and available strategies and resources.

Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

• Recognize the similarities and differences between physician practice risk management and hospital risk management.
• Recognize the most common claim allegations associated with physician practices.
• Identify three or more strategies that help in developing a physician risk management program.

Disclosure

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests.   

Faculty:

Amy Wasdin, RN, MBA, CPHRM, Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company.

Ms. Wasdin earned her associate’s degree in nursing at Brunswick College and her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from Armstrong Atlantic State University in Savannah, Georgia. She went on to earn her Master of Business Administration degree from Brenau University in Gainesville, Georgia. She has over 20 years of experience as a registered nurse, including more than seven years in healthcare risk management and claims administration. Her experience includes multi-hospital, long-term care, and physician practice risk management oversight. She has worked in multiple areas in healthcare, including quality assurance, compliance, medical malpractice litigation, medical ethics, policy and procedure development, staff education, and grievance resolution.

Continuing Education Credit 

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical educational activities for physicians.

The Doctors Company designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only those credit(s) commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Doctors Company estimates one hour for completion of this course. A passing score of 80 percent or greater is required to successfully complete the activity and earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Disclaimer

The information and guidelines contained in this recorded enduring material activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. The faculty recommends that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes and should be used as a reference guide only.

Complies with State Requirements

Connecticut, Massachusetts, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Washington

Technical Requirements

This activity is best experienced using the most current browser (or one back) of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Microsoft Edge.  For all activities featuring audio you must have a sound card and speakers. To view graphic images and references that appear in separate "pop-up" windows, you must have JavaScript and session cookies enabled on your computer.  Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required for certain activities.

Contact CME

If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call (800) 421-2368, extension 1243.