Q: What is the purpose/mission/vision of this site?
A: To improve the reader’s medical knowledge and documentation by reviewing real-life malpractice cases!
Q: Who should read this blog?
A: This blog is first and foremost for EM physicians. But many others can benefit. There is wide overlap with MDs from many other specialties, as well as healthcare workers of all types, attorneys, curious members of the public, pre-med students, etc…. Really anyone. Just know that it is written primarily for EM doctors.
Q: Why don’t all the cases have innocent/guilty verdicts?
A: The cases on this website are not selected based on verdict (innocent or guilty) nor the dollar amount that was paid out. The vast majority of medical malpractice cases do not make it to trial. Many are settled out of court. The settlements are confidential and the parties involved generally do not admit guilt. As much detail as is public will be revealed, but understand that sometimes the only thing we know is that the case was settled.
Knowledge of the verdict or settlement is not necessary to fulfill the purpose of the website (to improve reader’s medical knowledge and documentation). The drama of a jury trial, final verdict and massive settlement amounts draw a lot of attention. But good documentation and medical knowledge can be taught without knowing the verdict or settlement!
Q: I disagree with your opinions on documentation and think they’re dumb.
A: That’s not a question. But feel free to communicate a way you could improve my model!
Q: Why did you start this site?
A: A few reasons. One is to show that there is so much more to documentation than billing. Almost all teaching about documentation concerns billing, which is only one of the 3 goals of effective documentation. I initially started reviewing these cases because I thought it was interesting. I had the idea for this site after finishing residency and finding myself with more free time than the past three years. I’m hoping others will also be interested in reviewing the cases and seeing the medical pearls that could help avoid bad outcomes. People are attracted to extremes and exposing readers to some of the wildest malpractice cases out there will draw attention. This site allows me to combine my interests in social media, #FOAMed, medical malpractice, medical education, entrepreneurship and (rudimentary) web development. I’m a big fan of the #FOAMed movement but have been primarily a consumer for the past years; now I have an opportunity to create.
Q: Why use malpractice cases? Can’t we just learn this stuff another way?
A: The shock of seeing bad outcomes and physicians losing massive cases helps drive the point home. You can learn anything in a textbook but you won’t remember it until you see how it applies in real life. These cases are the real-life application.
Q: How can you publicly disclose patient’s medical records?
A: These cases are publicly available, open for anyone to download. I get them in the same way that anyone else with an internet connection (and loads of free time and some disposable income) can access them. For more detail about privacy, check out the bottom of the About page.
Q: Can you send me a laminated copy of the Documentation Template to use on shift?
A: Hopefully soon. Feel free to print the template off yourself and use it.
Q: I have a really great idea for your site. Can I give you some advice? Or can we collaborate?
A: Let’s talk, send me a message. admin@medmalreviewer.com
Q: Can I advertise on your website?
A: Shoot me a message. admin@medmalreviewer.com