ABSTRACT
No one can promise absolute immunity from lawsuits. It is incumbent on every physician to embrace solid protection strategies and proactive measures to discourage and deter lawsuits, minimize liability, properly and efficiently manage malpractice claims that do arise, improve testimonial skills, and increase the chances for a successful outcome, as well as better protect personal and professional assets. Physicians should try to run their practices in such a way that they can honestly say they took their time and gave their full attention to each patient’s needs. To point out the obvious, doctors should be warm, caring, honest, and open. A solid physician-patient relationship, valid comprehensive consents, and accurate, legible, clear, complete, and timely medical record documentation are critical for successful risk management and malpractice defense. The medical record, consents, and consultations help demonstrate that the physician acted prudently and exercised sound judgment in evaluating the patient, as well as weighing the risks and benefits of potential treatment plans.
