Home > Risk Management & Patient Safety > Frequently Asked Questions
We answer your most frequently asked questions below. If you don't see your question here, then ask a Risk Manager.
Record Retention
How long should I retain my patients' medical records?
Record Release
Can I refuse to release medical records to a patient who won't pay his bill?
Copying Charges
How much can I charge for medical records?
Diagnostic Test Tracking
Since my interpreting radiologist is already required to notify patients of their screening mammogram results, why must I, as the ordering physician, track these tests?
Informed Consent
Which are better: general or procedure-specific forms?
Informed Refusal
I offered my best advice, but the patient still doesn’t want the treatment. What should I do?
Patient Discharge
A difficult patient keeps threatening to sue. Can I discharge him?
Minor Consent
When may I treat a minor without parental consent?
Record Release - Minor Patient
A minor patient disclosed her pregnancy to me, which I confirmed by test. Her mother has demanded a copy of the complete medical record, including the test result. May I release it?
Treatment of Minors
May I treat a minor without their parent or guardian present?
Fee Discount
A dissatisfied patient has asked me to waive their fee. If I do, won’t I be admitting liability?
Office Practice-Sale
I’m considering selling my practice. What items do I need to look for to protect myself?
Office Practice-Closing
I’m retiring and closing my practice. What do I need to do? And how soon prior to closure?
Legal
A patient’s attorney called and wants to chat with me about a matter indirectly related to the care I provided. Should I do it?
ADA/Foreign Language Patient
We lose money every time we use an interpreter. Any suggestions?
Electronic Communication
May I leave a message regarding a patient’s care on their home or cellular voicemail?
Claim Reporting
When should I notify MAG Mutual of an incident?
Unauthorized Prescriptions
A pharmacy called regarding our employee's phoning in prescriptions for herself using my DEA number. What should I do?
E-Mail Advice
We’re thinking about using e-mail to answer simple medical questions. What issues should we consider?
Dictation Review
I'm too busy to review all my dictation. Isn't my "Dictated But Not Read Stamp" enough?
HIPAA
Where can I learn more about HIPAA?
Regulations
I only recently learned of new regulations that went into effect last year and concern my practice. How can I find out about changes more promptly?
Chaperones
Do you recommend that physicians utilize chaperones during patient exams?
Call Coverage
What guidelines should I follow when covering call for another physician?
BLS Certification
How often should clinical personnel be recertified for Basic Life Support?
The risk management advice presented in this Site is intended as general information of interest to physicians and other healthcare professionals. The recommendations and advice published on this Site do not reflect or establish a standard of care and do not establish rules for the practice of medicine. The publication of this information is not intended as an offer to insure such conditions or exposures, or to indicate that MAG Mutual Insurance Company will underwrite such risks for the reader. Our liability is limited to the specific written terms and conditions of actual insurance policies issued.
