With Power Comes Responsibility—Ethical and Legal Issues That Physicians Face

Dr. Michael Victoroff joins the podcast again to talk about administrative or conduct issues that can create legal concerns for physicians. Many of these relate to the authority a medical license grants and the power of a physician’s signature (i.e., prescribing medications, signing off on medical charts, etc.). Dr. Victoroff makes the distinction between willful misconduct and inadvertent actions that can lead to accusations of billing fraud, disciplinary proceedings, and governmental investigations. He also highlights common situations where these issues occur such as supervising other medical staff, serving as a medical director, or providing patient coverage for other physicians. Dr. Victoroff notes that well-intentioned favors and a desire to help can sometimes place good physicians in bad situations, and he provides some guidance that includes staying within your scope of practice—things you do on a regular basis. In addition, the discussion turns to EHRs, the challenges of automated templates, and being aware that your notes accurately reflect the care you provided. Show Email: [email protected] Feedback or episode ideas email the show at [email protected]: 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.