Stopping medical malpractice- how patients can help – Part 3

(previously posted under the title 6 reasons to sue your doctor-and how not to-part 3)

In the article, “YOU’VE BEEN SUED FOR MALPRACTICE-NOW WHAT?” (Medical Economics, March 10, 2015) attorney Richard Baker offers  6 common reasons for malpractice lawsuits, and what physicians can do to prevent them. In this series I look at them from the patient viewpoint- what you can do avoid getting care that makes you want to sue .

3. FAILURE TO KEEP CURRENT WITH STANDARDS AND KNOWLEDGE 

You can’t control  your doctor’s training, CME (continuing medical education), and certifications. But you have a right and responsibility to confirm that the doctor is qualified to perform the services offered. Doctors’ offices have diplomas, licenses, awards displayed on the walls for a reason-they want you to look at them.  Hospitals and other health care facilities make sure  that  the  physicians have the appropriate credentials.  Social media expert Kevin Pho, M.D. explains  how to check out a doctor’s credentials online-

Finding a doctor online and researching your physician on the Internet

Physicians can attend live lectures, watch or listen to lectures online and even view CME activities on a smart phone or other hand held device.
Physicians can attend live lectures, watch or listen to lectures online and even view CME activities on a smart phone or other hand held device.

Physicians must have a license for every state where they practice. Most physicians in the United States are board certified .which shows competency in their specialty. They take  a written and sometimes oral exam  and perform the requirements for MOC- maintenance of certification – medical study through lectures, reading, chart reviews and interactive online activities and repeat testing every few years.

Some physicians question the value of MOC. We agree with the idea in principle but believe the current requirements are irrelevant ,expensive, and time consuming without adding anything to knowledge, skill or improved patient care.  A few quit MOC completely and let their certification lapse, or join an alternate board which has less complicated requirements.  I will remain certified by the American Board of Family Medicine but the process needs to be relevant and valuable.

Learn more about certification in Family Medicine and if your family physician is board certified at the website of the American Board of Family Medicine 

Health lessons from the Women’s World Cup

I watched the final game of the Women’s World Cup between Japan and the United States.  Tuning in a few minutes late I was stunned to see I  missed the first 2 goals! Believe me, I paid attention the rest of the game and was not disappointed. I admired the skill, talent and energy of both teams and with other Americans cheered the United States team’s victory  clinching the world champion title 5-2.

Besides enjoying the action I was more impressed by  the class and grace demonstrated by both teams as winners and as losers. That is the greatest lesson we can teach children and I hope parents used that as a “teachable moment”.

2015-07-06 08.02.56

I observed the superb fitness level of these and the other participants in the World Cup. Running up and down a field , kicking a ball and outmaneuvering opponents for 90 minutes is exhausting, but they made it look almost easy.  We can’t all be world class athletes  but we can be physically active in some way.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommend 

  • moderate-intensive physical activity for 150 minutes or more per week

  • vigorous-intensity activity for at least 75 minutes per week

  • engaging in muscle strengthening activity at least twice per week.

 

Medical studies show that exercise can prevent or improve many chronic health conditions and lack of exercise contributes to many diseases.

  • Physical activity may reduce the risk of cancers of the breast, colon, uterus, prostate and pancreas.

  • Regular exercise may help prevent diabetes and heart disease.

  • Exercise can relieve joint and back pain due to arthritis.

  • Depression is treated with physical activity successfully

 

With proper guidance, anyone can perform some exercise or other physical activity regularly. I stay active with walking, bicycling, ballroom dancing, gardening and have recently tried yoga

 

ballroom dancing
dancing in a competition with my pro instructor

I have more energy and stamina when I am active regularly, and get sluggish if I don’t.

What do you do to stay active, fit and moving? please share and encourage someone else.

More information here

Physical Activity Basics from the CDC