Resource Library

Assuming an EHR automatically decreases medical record errors is risky. While some medical record errors may diminish, others that are unique to EHR use may arise. It is important to identify these potential risks and put systems in place to catch and correct errors before they cause patient injuries.

The number of medical spas (also referred to as medi-spas or medspas) has been increasing as the desire for cosmetic procedures increases.¹ A medical spa combines the atmosphere and traditional offerings of a day spa (e.g., facials, massages, manicures) with the provision of medical treatments such as injectable facial fillers (e.g., Botox), laser procedures, and even liposuction.

When cosmetic breast surgery performed by a physician who has not gone through formal plastic surgery training has an unintended result and a lawsuit results, the plaintiff and defendant will most likely seek the opinions of plastic surgeons on whether the defendant physician comported with the standard of care. As the following case study indicates, it can be difficult for plastic surgeons to support such surgery.

Under HIPAA, a subpoena that is not accompanied by an order from a court or administrative agency does not allow the clinic to release medical records unless certain conditions are met.

There are three primary sets of conditions that allow a Clinic to release medical records in response to a subpoena, which we discuss in this article.

The Radiologist’s Duty

The duty of the radiologist is not limited to detecting and reporting pertinent findings following a radiologic study. The radiologist’s duty extends to ensuring that the report was received, understood and acted upon, as well as ensuring that active communication and information exchange between the healthcare providers occurs. Of particular concern are abnormal or critical findings in radiology reports.