What are the key principles of risk management?
Risk management is about recognizing risks and taking steps to prevent them. Risk management covers every facet of a medical practice, but four main principles account for a large amount of activity in the practice: • First and foremost is communication. Of paramount importance is communication with patients. In reviewing complaints lodged by patients, some form of communication failure is almost invariably involved. Clear communication between the doctor and patients, the office staff and patients and among all the members of the medical office can greatly assist the workings of the office. • A second area is documentation. In a busy practice, this often suffers. Careful documentation can actually save time and effort in the long run. Having carefully documented patient information available when needed is a vital part of making the practice run smoothly. • The third area is office policies and procedures. Patient appointments, billing, lab order/diagnostic results log, and recalls ar
