Artificial intelligence (AI) is generally defined as computer systems that can perform complex tasks that previously only a human could do, such as reasoning, decision-making, or problem-solving. AI is rapidly being integrated into our world, including healthcare. Proponents of the use of AI in healthcare believe it has the potential to make healthcare more efficient, less expensive, more accessible, and safer for patients. 

AI Software for Medical Documentation
One of the more common uses of AI in physician offices is software for medical record documentation. This AI software is being marketed as a tool to make documentation more accurate and less burdensome. AI medical documentation tools work by using advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze and interpret large amounts of data related to healthcare, including patient records, lab results, and clinical notes. A key component of these tools is natural language processing (NLP), which allows the AI to understand and generate human-like language. 
AI automates documentation by creating notes in real-time by listening to physician-patient communication. AI can collect, sort, and assemble clinical information from previous notes, laboratory results, reports, and other contents of the medical record and provide real-time recommendations using dynamic clinical data mining. Additionally, AI can automate billing and coding based on risk-adjustment factors and can also draft level-of-service recommendations.

Potential Risks of Using AI Software at Your Practice
While the advancements in AI and the opportunities to streamline processes at a doctor’s office are exciting, the use of AI in healthcare is not without risk.

We know you’ve dealt with patients who have their own agenda, who do not follow instructions, who are apathetic with their care and treatment, or who are otherwise “difficult.” These patients can be a source of frustration for you and your office staff. They take up more of your time (and your staff’s time) and tend to have poor outcomes – and consequently, also tend to be dissatisfied with your care.

You may have staffed your practice with well-qualified people, but now they need proper training to understand your practice and its culture, their role within your practice, your policies and procedures, patient population, state and federal requirements such as HIPAA and OSHA, and other office practices. (If you need help with hiring, read our blog article, “Hiring the Best Staff for Your Practice”!)

Most practitioners are highly aware of the importance of maintaining medical malpractice insurance coverage to protect themselves financially in the event of a malpractice claim. However, practitioners are less aware of the administrative claims they could face.

To provide the best care for your patients and run an office practice, you need help. You need a staff that reflects your values, fits in with your office culture, increases the efficiency of your practice, and helps maintain a positive working environment.

Therefore, it is crucial to hire staff that are well qualified for their respective positions, can work effectively as part of a team, and adapt to the dynamic nature of a podiatric medical office. They must be able to effectively communicate with patients, families, other members of your healthcare team, other healthcare professionals, and foster relationships with all these various parties. Staff members should be customer service-oriented, dependable, friendly, compassionate, flexible, able to manage conflicts, willing to learn, and deeply committed to patient privacy.

Peripheral neuropathy is a general term that refers to nerve diseases that impact the nerves outside your brain or spinal cord and cause numbness, weakness, or pain, usually in the hands and feet. These conditions can result from traumatic injuries, vascular and blood problems, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, kidney and liver disorders, nutritional or vitamin imbalances, alcoholism, exposure to toxins, certain cancers and tumors, chemotherapy, or infections. One of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy is diabetes.

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a diagnosis that is frequently involved in medical malpractice lawsuits against podiatrists. It is not uncommon to see plaintiff attorney ads targeting individuals who have been diagnosed with CRPS. Why? Because the plaintiff’s medical expenses and other damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages, family disruption, and loss of quality of life can be quite high. Therefore, settlements or jury verdicts in these claims can exceed a million dollars.

The most common precursors to CRPS are fractures, surgery, sprains/strains, burns, cuts, being in a cast, and nerve injury. CRPS can occur in anyone at any age, but it is more common in women and in middle-aged individuals.

A patient suffers cardiac arrest while waiting in the exam room. An elderly visitor falls in the waiting room, is complaining of leg pain and is unable to get up. A diabetic staff member passes out from hypoglycemia. These are just a few examples of unexpected medical emergencies that could happen in a medical office.

Over the past few years, the landscape of medical malpractice insurance has seen various changes that cause increased premiums. The rise in premium cost has sparked debate among healthcare professionals, policymakers, and insurers alike. To understand why insurance rates are on the rise, it is crucial to unpack the range of factors that contribute to this complex issue.

Deciding to go from a private practice to a large group practice is a significant step in a podiatrist’s career. It's a decision laden with considerations, from professional growth opportunities to financial implications, and of course, your malpractice coverage. Here are some key points to consider from a professional liability insurance standpoint if you are planning to join a large group practice.