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Your Practice Made Perfect is a free podcast series where industry professionals discuss current issues and provide advice for today's practicing medical professionals. Our discussions cover everything from medical legislature to inspiring stories about addiction recovery. You won't want to miss an episode.

Episode Archive

Episode 152: Like, Share, Follow - Part 1
Oct 18, 2024

In today's digital age, your practice's online presence can be a powerful tool for growth and sustainability. In Part 1 of our two-part episode, we explore how medical practices can leverage social media to connect with patients, enhance trust, and build a strong digital footprint. Whether you're a physician, practice manager, or other healthcare professional, this episode is full of advice to help your practice thrive in the digital world.

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Episode 151: Recipe for a Medical Emergency
Sep 20, 2024

In the fast-paced environments of healthcare where decisions are often made in a matter of seconds, the risk of medication errors increases. A patient's condition can change in the blink of an eye, which stresses the need for precision and vigilance in every aspect of care. This case features a case review that highlights the importance of thoroughly verifying medications before administration to ensure patient safety, prevent errors, and safeguard the well-being of those in our care.

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Episode 150: Cybersecurity Chronicles
Aug 23, 2024

As medical practices increasingly rely on digital systems to manage highly confidential information, such as patient records and communications, the need to protect sensitive data has become top priority. Cybersecurity is not just an IT issue, it’s a critical aspect in patient care. Join us for this episode that provides real-life examples of sticky cybersecurity situations that a practices have found themselves in. You will leave with practical tips and strategies to stay vigilant and safeguard your practice in the era of technology.

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Episode 149: Grace Under Fire
Jul 19, 2024

Navigating the courtroom can be a high-stress environment, filled with scrutiny and unexpected challenges. In a place where every word and action can sway an outcome, composure is crucial. Demonstrating self-control and poise under pressure highlights your professionalism and integrity. Join us for this episode as we talk through a Closed Claim that entails vastly different trial presentation styles from the plaintiff attorney vs. the defense attorney. This podcast reminds us that our demeanor and presentation in the courtroom can be as impactful as the strongest piece of evidence.

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Episode 148: Deep Dive into Depositions and Definitions
Jun 20, 2024

Medical malpractice lawsuits can have significant and complex impacts on physicians - affecting their personal, professional, and emotional well-being. There are several critical steps to ensure you are well prepared and protected during this process. To start, having a firm grasp of the legal expectations, language, and process is vital. Join us as we talk with Wendy Longmire, JD to gain a better understanding of commonly used legal terminology and take a deep dive into prepping for a deposition.

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Episode 147: Lived to Tell the Tale - Going Through a Malpractice Suit
May 17, 2024

Involvement in a medical malpractice lawsuit is significant, emotional, and impactful. Physicians have a lot at stake, including professional reputation and emotional well-being. It is crucial for physicians to have support systems in place to navigate these stressful, potentially life altering, situations. Join us as we talk with a physician who gets real and raw about a medical malpractice lawsuit they went through and their firsthand experience working with SVMIC. We talk through the ways this lawsuit impacted our guest, both personally and professionally, and how they came out on the other side.

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Episode 146: Follow the Leader and Stick Together
Apr 18, 2024

As a physician, you can go ahead and add "Leader" to your resume. Physicians are seen as leaders by those in their practice, by their patients, and by their communities. Join us in this episode as we unpack some of the struggles being a physician leader may bring in the healthcare world where much of the time we feel overworked and weary. We chat through keeping yourself motivated and far from burnout while also setting that example and looking for signs amongst your colleagues.

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Episode 145: Talking Telemedicine
Mar 22, 2024

Join us in this episode where we talk all things telemedicine with our in-house virtual visit expert, Michael Cash. We step back a few years to talk about the effect the pandemic had on telemedicine, discuss where virtual medicine stands now, and Michael shares common questions he gets and tips to make telemedicine work for you.

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Episode 144: Behavioral Health with a Behavior Expert
Feb 16, 2024

Join us as we talk with long time behavioral psychiatrist Dr. Craig Clark about a broad range of information including the effects of the pandemic on behavioral health, some of the challenges we are still seeing, and even the stimulant shortage. Dr. Clark has many years in the field and several nuggets of wisdom to share that can apply to all practicing providers in today's world of medicine - don't miss this one!

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Episode 143: Shifts in the Healthcare Landscape
Jan 19, 2024

Discover how shifts in the healthcare landscape could impact your practice in 2024 and beyond. Join us as we chat with national speaker, trainer and author Elizabeth Woodcock regarding emerging trends that could pose both opportunities and threats to your medical practice in the ever-changing medical world.

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Episode 142: Data is Information, and Information is Empowering
Nov 17, 2023

Why would medical malpractice data and analytics matter to a medical provider? Listen to find out! In this episode, we talk with the Vice President of Candello, Mike Paskavitz, about the use of data to ultimately help increase patient safety, and we unpack the importance of understanding that data from a providers perspective.

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Episode 141: You MUST Be Present to WIN
Oct 20, 2023

Join us as we review a tragic and sympathetic case that goes to trial and ends in favor of the physician. Claims attorney J. Baugh outlines some of the obstacles that come with "hindsight bias", highlights the benefits of preparation and participation on the physician's part, and concludes with the concept that sometimes there is some "good luck" needed in the trial process.

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Episode 140: Leveraging Assessments to Build a Stronger Team: Part 2
Sep 15, 2023

Join us for Part 2 of utilizing assessments throughout the employee's lifecycle. In this episode, we will focus on leveraging assessments to build a stronger team - using assessments to learn more about current employees. If you are interested in putting assessments to use at the hiring and onboarding phase, check out Part 1 - linked in the show notes.

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Episode 139: Utilizing Assessments Throughout Hiring and Onboarding: Part 1
Aug 18, 2023

The world of assessments is vast - personality assessments, skills assessments, emotional intelligence assessments, and the list goes on - but how can assessments best serve you in your medical practice? Join us as we discuss the many uses of assessments throughout the employee lifecycle, starting at the hiring phase and continuing with a part 2 to unpack the best use of assessments for current employees.

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Episode 138: When It Might Be Time to Part Ways
Jul 14, 2023

Tune in to this episode where we talk with SVMIC's Jeff Woods, Risk Education Manager, about dealing with difficult patients, giving all you can BEFORE terminating that physician/patient relationship, and what to do if that becomes your only option.

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Episode 137: The Tale of Two Appendectomies
Jun 16, 2023

How does one end up having an appendectomy twice? Listen in as senior claims attorney J. Baugh unpacks the details of the case, explains the reasoning behind the two appendectomies, and highlights the most important takeaways from this closed claim review.

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Episode 136: That One Time We Forgot a Kid
May 10, 2023

When you're balancing a thousand things between work and family - there's a chance you might just forget a kid. Tune in to this episode where we get personal with Dr. Katrina Hood, a dedicated pediatrician who is married to a physician and has raised three healthy and successful kids while seemingly juggling it all with grace. Dr. Hood shares some insight and tips for maintaining that balance when it seems like the responsibilities are never-ending, and your family and your patients both deserve your undivided attention.

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Episode 135: Managing and Measuring Your Revenue Cycle - What's the Difference?
Apr 14, 2023

The healthcare revenue cycle management is the process used by healthcare systems to track revenue from patients. For someone who is new to this process, it is important to understand the differences between managing and measuring the revenue cycle. Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of practice requests, the process of a revenue assessment and a look at the different resources SVMIC offers your practice.

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Episode 134: Employees Have Lifecycles Too
Mar 17, 2023

Yes - employee's have lifecycles too! From the moment a position is determined necessary to the moment that employee resigns, retires or otherwise leaves the position, there are stages throughout the lifecycle of that employee's time with you. Join us as we discuss that lifecycle along with some common HR questions with our very own Steve Dickens - someone who has helped practices with this very topic for over 20 years.

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Episode 133: Business Continuity to Ensure Disaster Recovery
Feb 17, 2023

Plan for the worst while expecting the best. A "disaster" can encompass a variety of situations, but in the healthcare world it's anything that can keep you from providing patient care. Join us as we dig into the importance of building a business continuity plan so that if or when a disaster strikes, your practice has a plan to keep your business moving as smoothly as possible, and you have a plan to get you through the recovery phase.

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Episode 132: OSHA Basics in the Medical Practice
Jan 13, 2023

What exactly does OSHA mean to a practice and how do you implement an OSHA program? Tune in to this episode for a quick synopsis from SVMIC's own Leslie Snider on some practical tips for ensuring you are taking the necessary steps to remain OSHA compliant, and some reasonable action items for getting an OSHA program in place for your practice.

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Episode 131: Litigation, Depositions, and Preparing for Trial
Dec 02, 2022

In this episode, we revisit some past content focusing on malpractice lawsuits. We will bring back some great conversations with highly qualified guests that discuss preparing yourself as a defendant, the ins and outs of depositions, and a highlight of the trial process.

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Episode 130: Every Player Matters
Oct 21, 2022

No one team member matters more than the other - despite what the jobs entail. Every job within a medical practice serves an important role in keeping the practice running smoothly. In this episode, we compile past conversations with varying guests that revolve around treating your team well, leading with respect, and working well with others. Join us as we recap some of those helpful tips.

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Episode 129: Self-Care in a Time of Great Burnout
Sep 16, 2022

Discover, cope, and dig your way out - it can be a hamster wheel many healthcare providers find themselves in when it comes to burnout. Given the especially hectic times in today's medical world, we felt it appropriate to revisit some past conversations with physicians who both specialized in burnout, and lived through their own burnout experiences. Join us as we recap some helpful tips and advice for overcoming that long-term stress reaction that results in feeling burnt out.

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Episode 128: Relationships Hold the Key
Aug 12, 2022

In this episode, we revisit prior conversations regarding the importance of physician and patient relationships. The health of these relationships plays a key role in successful office visits and overall patient satisfaction. This episode touches upon tips to help you bring your best self to your practice! Conversations with Dr. Kevin Pho, Dr. Rebekah Bernard, and Dr. Scott Fowler are revisited.

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Episode 127: Evolving Your Practice with the Ages
Jul 15, 2022

Walk with us through prior episodes that reveal tips and insights on the future of technology in the healthcare world post-pandemic. We hear from SVMIC's Michael Cash on details about telemedicine since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, conversations from an episode on Clinical IT with Dr. Kevin Johnson, and security and privacy tips from an episode with Robbie Morris.

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Episode 126: Juries Get Good Medicine
Jun 17, 2022

In today's closed claim episode, host J. Baugh sits down with Stephanie Deupree, a senior claims attorney at SVMIC. This case entails complications with a 74-year-old female who underwent a robotic Nissen fundoplication with hiatal hernia repair. Together, J. and Stephanie take us through the details in which documentation was essential in order to secure a defense verdict in a very sympathetic case.

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Episode 125: Addiction Knows No Boundaries
May 20, 2022

Addiction can find its way into anyone's life. In this episode, we revisit prior conversations we've had with multiple physicians on the topic of addiction. We highlight conversations with Dr. Bob, Dr. Stephen Lloyd, and Dr. Rett Blake on the many layers of this disease.

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Episode 124: Physician Well-Being and Pandemic Burnout
Apr 22, 2022

Now more than ever, physicians need to focus on their own well-being and stress management. To guide our conversation, we speak with Dr. Charlene Dewey about best approaches and prevention advice for dealing with mental health in the midst of a pandemic.

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Episode 123: Security Incident Response – Part 3
Mar 11, 2022

In the final installment of our three-part series on Cybersecurity, Justin Joy sits down with host J. Baugh to chat about how best to respond to security incidents and the rules around breach notifications.

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Episode 122: Using Technology to Secure Your System - Part 2
Feb 11, 2022

In part two of our three-part series on Cybersecurity, we join IT security expert Brian Johnson to discuss how to utilize technology to protect your systems from threats and attacks.

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Episode 121: Security Risk and Cybersecurity – Part 1
Jan 14, 2022

In part one of our three-part series on Cybersecurity, Loretta Verbeck chats with J. Baugh about Security Risk Analysis and how it applies to medical practices in today’s world.

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Episode 120: When Country Tough Isn't Tough Enough
Dec 10, 2021

Host J. Baugh sits down with medical malpractice attorney Katy Smith to discuss a closed claim case with some valuable lessons surrounding a patient electing to undergo a weight loss surgery without the assistance of a sedative.

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Episode 119: Staffing Challenges
Nov 12, 2021

J. Baugh hosts Gretchen Napier as they discuss three key strategies for tackling today’s staffing challenges.

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Episode 118: Market Research, Know your Customer
Oct 15, 2021

Mary Elzey joins J. Baugh to discuss some of the best practices for creating a better patient experience by using various types of data and applying a “customer first” approach to medical practices.

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Episode 117: An Ounce of Prevention is Worth a Pound of Cure
Sep 17, 2021

J. Baugh sits down with senior claims attorney Zynthia Howse to discuss a closed claim in which key information inadvertently left out of a routine medical records request ended in a medical malpractice lawsuit.

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Episode 116: Practice Marketing
Aug 20, 2021

Marketing expert Jarod Spiewak shares his digital and traditional tips and tricks for helping doctors promote and grow their practices through marketing.

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Episode 115: Action Required
Jul 16, 2021

Senior claims attorney Zynthia Howse joins J. Baugh to discuss a closed claim where the ball was dropped in the follow-up of a suspicious x-ray, ultimately leading to disastrous results.

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Episode 114: The Litigation Process
Jun 18, 2021

Nashville attorney Wendy Longmire breaks down how the litigation process works in malpractice suits so that physicians can be better prepared.

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Episode 113: Time Well Spent
May 14, 2021

J. Baugh sits down with SVMIC lawyer, Stephanie Deupree, to discuss a closed claim of a patient and her dispute over the consent of a hysterectomy.

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Episode 112: Safety in Security
Apr 16, 2021

Host J. Baugh sits down with Daniel VanderSteeg to discuss financial planning for professionals and business owners, specifically with advice around the new SECURE Act.

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Episode 111: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Mar 19, 2021

Host J. Baugh talks with VP of Medical Practice Services at SVMIC, Steve Dickens, about physician leadership, and the business side of medicine. In this deep dive, J and Steve discuss handling patient flow, how to make effective decisions, the elements that make a good leader, and more.

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Episode 110: A Fact of Life
Feb 19, 2021

In this Closed Claim, Claims Attorneys Katy Smith and J. Baugh review the unfortunate tragedy of a woman’s stillborn child and the lengthy process it took to conclude the case.

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Episode 109: A Telemedicine Taskforce
Jan 15, 2021

Claims attorney J. Baugh sits down with a member of the Medical Practices Services department from SVMIC to discuss telemedicine, and how coverage has adapted over the years.

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Episode 108: Adding Assumptions to the Wound
Dec 04, 2020

In this Closed Claim review, Claims Attorneys Katy Smith and J. Baugh discuss the dangers of assumptions when it comes to practicing medicine and diagnosing a case involving abdominal gynecologic surgery.

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Episode 107: A Risky Business
Nov 20, 2020

Host J. Baugh talks again with Robbie Morris about the ever-changing world of privacy and security risks. In this deep dive, J and Robbie discuss assessments, privacy & risk audits, and vulnerabilities practices may face.

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Episode 106: Technology Driving Clinical Care
Nov 06, 2020

Claims attorney J. Baugh sits down with Vanderbilt University Medical Center Biomedical Informatics Specialist, Kevin Johnson to talk about the fast-growing world of clinical IT, and how it can inform care.

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Episode 105: Passing the Torch
Oct 23, 2020

J. Baugh sits down with Dr. Greg Hood to talk about mentoring medical students. They discuss the responsibilities and joys of guiding the next generation of medical workers and give you a few tips on being the best mentor possible.

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Episode 104: Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way
Oct 09, 2020

Jean Byassee joins J. Baugh to discuss estate planning. They dive into the intricacies of creating a will and cover the basics of making sure your property makes it into the right hands after you’re gone.

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Episode 103: Working as an Extensivist
Sep 25, 2020

J. Baugh sits down with Dr. Holly Berndt to talk about what it’s like working as an extensivist. They discuss this unique specialty and give insight into what kind of patients they see and the services they provide.

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Episode 102: Hazardous Office Protocols
Sep 11, 2020

Katy Smith joins J. Baugh once again to discuss a closed claim involving poor office systems and protocols. They discuss the importance of implementing organized and effective office systems, and also why tracking office procedures could save you both time and trouble.

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Episode 101: A True Sense of Security
Aug 21, 2020

SVMIC attorney and host J. Baugh is joined by guest Robbie Morris to take a closer look at what it takes to keep your practice safe and collaborative in a time when cybersecurity risks have skyrocketed.

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Episode 100: A Different Animal Altogether
Aug 07, 2020

In today’s episode, Wendy Longmire joins host J. Baugh to chat through providing care for people with service animals. They cover the best practices and unique needs of these often overlooked patients.

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Episode 099: Two Heads Are Better Than One
Jul 24, 2020

Nicole Shields and Jill Parks join J. Baugh to discuss the crucial relationship between physicians and their practice managers. They discuss the benefits of getting to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and how that can help provide better patient care.

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Episode 098: Left To Their Own Devices
Jul 10, 2020

In this closed claim review, Katy Smith and J. Baugh of SVMIC dive into a case with multiple defendants regarding the proper use of medical devices in the operating room.

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Episode 097: Understanding the Direct Primary Care Practice Model
Jun 26, 2020

Dr. Charles Marable joins J. Baugh to talk about Direct Primary Care, including the benefits and challenges, as well as resources for physicians considering this non-traditional practice model.

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Episode 096: Financial Planning for Physicians: Don’t Let Your Money Control You
Jun 12, 2020

J. Baugh and John Dameron discuss financial planning for physicians, including taking inventory of what you owe and what you own, thinking about how having a partner plays into your finances, and the importance of your financial goals.

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Episode 095: Gear Up for Burnout
May 29, 2020

At any given point, physician burnout affects up to 50% of the physician population across all ages and specialties. Dr. Greg Jones joins J. Baugh to discuss this and other factors impacting physician health and why it’s so important for physicians to seek help when they need it.

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Episode 094: A Multimodal Approach to Pain Management
May 15, 2020

Dr. John McGraw and J. Baugh discuss the HHS Pain Management Best Practices Task Force and its efforts to address the opioid crisis with evidence-based conclusions surrounding pain management.

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Episode 093: Answers for Physicians During COVID-19
Apr 24, 2020

These unprecedented times have all healthcare professionals looking for answers. We’ve assembled a panel of some of SVMIC’s best experts in their respective fields to cover some of the most frequently asked questions from our members. We discuss everything from Telemedicine coverage to managing a small business during this crisis. If you have a question about practicing medicine during COVID-19, there’s a good chance someone else has the same one. Tune in today and learn more.

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Episode 092: Communication is in the Eye of the Beholder
Apr 10, 2020

Katy Smith and J. Baugh explore another closed claim. A 33-year-old woman with a ventriculoperitoneal shunt reported symptoms including blurred vision and headaches. After she underwent surgery, her vision continued to worsen until she was almost blind in one eye.

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Episode 091: Talking to Your Insurance Carrier
Mar 20, 2020

Charmy Shrode joins J. Baugh to dive into some of today’s malpractice insurance issues like practicing outside of your specialty, the impact the opioid crisis is having on malpractice insurance, telemedicine, and more.

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Episode 090: The Renaissance Woman
Mar 06, 2020

Dr. Nancy Shipley sits down with J. Baugh to talk tackling fear, achieving balance, and being a Renaissance woman, which for her starts with identifying her values and making sure everything she does fits within those values.

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Episode 089: HR Issues: The Biggest Trouble Spot
Feb 21, 2020

In the third and final part of their HR discussion, Scott Hickman and J. Baugh go over the importance of honesty and performance improvement in employee reviews, onboarding and off-boarding, and wage issues.

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Episode 088: HR Issues: Compensation Laws and Workplace Harassment
Feb 07, 2020

Scott Hickman and J. Baugh continue their HR discussion, this time with a focus on employment classification and the impact on pay, comp time, and the Family Medical Leave Act as well as how to address harassment in the workplace.

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Episode 087: HR Issues: Doing Your Homework
Jan 24, 2020

Attorneys Scott Hickman and J. Baugh discuss common HR issues that come up in practices, including the importance of enlisting a professional on the front end with compliance questions, and essential elements to include in a personnel manual.

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Episode 086: Destroying Physician Burnout
Jan 10, 2020

Dr. Betty-Ann Svendsen shares her own personal experience surrounding physician burnout with J. Baugh, including its very real impact on her personal life. Svendsen shares how she was able to destroy burnout by making herself a priority and putting more focus on work-life balance.

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Episode 085: Not Everything Is As It Seems
Dec 13, 2019

Brian Fortenberry sits down with Katy Smith and J. Baugh to dive into another closed claim. A 23-year-old male came in complaining of mysterious pain and was treated for a sprained ankle. Months later he suffers a sudden cardiac arrest.

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Episode 084: Quality Testing
Dec 06, 2019

Anne Pontius joins J. Baugh to discuss operating an in-office laboratory. Anne weighs out the pros and cons of doing your own testing in-house versus using a commercial laboratory.

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Episode 083: Crucial Communication
Nov 29, 2019

SVMIC Attorneys J. Baugh and Katy Smith take a look at another closed claim in which a lack of communication led to a patient diagnosed with severe sleep apnea being given an excessive dosage of pain medication.

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Episode 082: Courtroom Combat
Nov 08, 2019

Brian Fortenberry chats with lawyer Ryan Wood on how things typically play out in the courtroom and some of the questionable tactics used by both sides to argue their case.

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Episode 081: That’s Not My Job
Nov 01, 2019

J. Baugh sits down with Katy Smith to take a close look at a closed claim of an ER Physician who was asked to re-intubate a patient. The physician, trying to follow protocol, refused and the patient died shortly after.

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Episode 080: When Healthcare Goes Virtual
Oct 25, 2019

Dr. Richard Moses sits down with host Brian Fortenberry to discuss telemedicine and telehealth, the legalities of practicing across state lines, and how to go about doing so if you wish to work in multiple states.

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Episode 079: Missteps in Medical Records
Oct 11, 2019

Katy Smith joins J. Baugh to discuss three separate cases where critical oversights in patients’ medical records led to severe consequences, both physical and legal.

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Episode 078: Learning to Run
Oct 04, 2019

Steve Dickens joins Brian Fortenberry to discuss the importance of a strong, active leadership model and how proper governance minimizes inefficiencies and maximizes strategic decision making.

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Episode 077: In Due Time
Sep 27, 2019

Attorneys J. Baugh and Katy Smith join Brian for another review of a closed claim that took ten years to go to trial. A 55-year-old gentleman jumped off his truck injuring his knee and ankle, resulting in pain and foot drop.

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Episode 076: Back to the Heart of the Matter
Sep 13, 2019

Brian Fortenberry sits down with J. Baugh and Katy Smith again to review a case of a 73-year-old with increasing back pain and a history of heart issues who wasn’t notified in time to catch a fatal heart attack.

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Episode 075: Out of Breath and Time
Sep 06, 2019

Editor and founder of MedMalReviewer.com, Eric Funk, returns with Brian Fortenberry to review a malpractice case of a 31-year-old male who couldn’t receive a CT scan for physical reasons and got a misdiagnosis of bronchitis that resulted in a tragic outcome.

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Episode 074: A Site for Sore Eyes
Aug 30, 2019

Host Brian Fortenberry chats with emergency medicine doctor Eric Funk. Eric is the editor of the website MedMalReviewer.com, where physicians can get access to actual medical malpractice cases from legal databases. They discuss the multitude of resources that can be found on Dr. Funk’s site and when those resources can come in handy.

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Episode 073: Litigation 101
Aug 23, 2019

Katy Smith and J. Baugh walk through the basics of Malpractice suit litigation. What to prepare for, the statistics around some of these suits, and how a good partner can help a physician be prepared.

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Episode 072: Data-Driven Decisions
Aug 09, 2019

This week on Your Practice Made Perfect, Brian discusses stats and what role they play in malpractice insurance coverage and medical practices, with Kathy Cartwright and Divya Parikh - vice president of Research and Education at the Medical Professional Liability Association.

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Episode 071: The Case of the Right Knee
Aug 02, 2019

J. Baugh and Katy Smith, Senior Claims Attorneys at SVMIC, sit down with Brian Fortenberry to review a malpractice case where a patient had the wrong knee operated on to repair a meniscus tear. They discuss the immediate discovery and the events that followed as a result of a wrong-site surgery.

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Episode 070: Failure to Follow Up
Jul 26, 2019

Attorney John Ryman takes Brian Fortenberry through a closed claim case of a 72-year-old male who died two years after a primary care visit. When it was discovered that the doctor failed to follow up on a recommended CT evaluation, the patient’s estate filed a lawsuit.

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Episode 069: Checks and Balances and Embezzlement
Jul 19, 2019

On this episode, Laura Watkins observes the frightening topic of embezzlement and how it might be more common than you think. Watkins walks you through what embezzlement looks like and steps to take to ensure that your practice doesn’t fall victim.

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Episode 068: Burning at Both Ends of the Candle
Jul 12, 2019

Dr. Sasha Shillcutt has a candid conversation with Brian about her accomplished career in medicine and how she manages the workload. Through building support systems and research, she has been able to show other women physicians how to avoid the all-too-common burnout.

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Episode 067: Putting Disaster Plans In Place
Jun 28, 2019

Rana McSpadden and Brian Fortenberry talk about the various ways to prepare your practice for everything from tornadoes to cyber attacks. McSpadden explains the use of reverse planning to figure out your goals and the even bigger disaster of putting off the planning process.

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Episode 066: Microperforations, Macro Problems
Jun 21, 2019

Katy Smith and J. Baugh join Brian Fortenberry this week to look at a closed claim case involving a 42-year-old John Doe with a 4+ year history of acute diverticulitis. The two discuss the patient’s trip to the ER and how a CT misreading led to the patient’s untimely death.

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Episode 065: With Great Power Comes Professional Responsibility
Jun 14, 2019

Dr. Scott Fowler and Brian Fortenberry examine the personal topic of professionalism in the medical industry, and a doctor’s covenant with society. Dr. Fowler explains how the practice of medicine is not a business but a calling.

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Episode 064: Making Mergers Manageable
Jun 07, 2019

Shannon Hampson joins Brian Fortenberry to discuss the exciting and potentially intimidating topic of mergers. Hampson explains why a merger may or may not make sense for your practice, as well as how to prepare for an impending merger, should there be one.

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Episode 063: Addiction, Abuse, and Misuse
May 31, 2019

Dr. Rett Blake joins Brian Fortenberry to discuss the many angles of the opioid crisis. Dr. Blake explains abuse vs. misuse, the symptoms of addiction, the reason people are overdosing and how to prevent it.

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Episode 062: When Small Concerns Become Big Problems
May 17, 2019

What started as a routine visit for diabetic medication turned into a case of gangrene and a lawsuit. In this closed claim case, Brian Fortenberry, Katy Smith, and J. Baugh remind us that communication and documentation are two of the most important tools for both physicians and patients.

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Episode 061: Healthcare in the Line of Duty - Part 2
May 10, 2019

Dr. Missy Givens returns with host J. Baugh to continue her discussion on advancements in military medicine. Dr. Givens explores the latest innovative methods for prehospital care such as stabilizing, resuscitating, and treating pain in patients.

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Episode 060: Healthcare in the Line of Duty - Part 1
May 03, 2019

Dr. Missy Givens joins Brian Fortenberry to discuss how the military is innovating modern medicine and emergency response methods to reduce mortality rates in the field, and how these methods carry over to civilian care.

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Episode 059: A Recipe for Disaster
Apr 26, 2019

Katy Smith joins J. Baugh for another closed claim case. The two discuss a practice known in the industry as “cookbook medicine” and how this practice led to a patient’s death and a lawsuit.

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Episode 058: It’s All About Attitude
Apr 12, 2019

Dr. Rebekah Bernard rejoins the podcast to continue discussing her book The Rock Star Doctors Guide: Change Your Thinking, Improve Your Life. She discusses the three A’s of patient care, as well as some key points from the book on how to be a rockstar physician for your patients.

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Episode 057: Mental Health for Health Experts
Apr 05, 2019

Dr. Rebekah Bernard, who literally wrote the book on physician burnout, joins host Brian Fortenberry to discuss a few key points from her book, "The Rock Star Doctors Guide: Change Your Thinking, Improve Your Life".

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Episode 056: The Permanence of Posting
Mar 29, 2019

There is no doubt that social media can make or break businesses and individuals alike. Luckily, Dr. Katrina Hood is here to offer some pointers on things to be aware of and how to keep yourself out of trouble.

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Episode 055: Best Practices for Your Practice
Mar 22, 2019

Establishing a business is one thing. Creating a healthy work environment is completely different. On this episode, Chris McCarty returns to discuss the importance of understanding employment laws and best HR practices to keep a business in check.

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Episode 054: Prepping Your Practice for Cybersecurity
Mar 15, 2019

Chris McCarty joins host Brian Fortenberry to shed light on the cybersecurity risks that face your business in today’s digital age. Chris gives advice on navigating the waters of disgruntled ex-employees, hacked email accounts, and hiring techies.

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Episode 053: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Weekend Retreats
Mar 08, 2019

Esteemed MGMA members Sarah Ligon and Steve Dickens join host Brian Fortenberry to discuss setting goals for your practice. Sarah and Steve share some tips on how to prepare for goal-setting retreats and which questions to ask to ensure success.

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Episode 052: The Dangers of Miscommunication
Mar 01, 2019

Brian Fortenberry explores the closed claim case of a patient who, through miscommunication on various levels, died from a dosage error. Licensed CPA and attorney J. Baugh joins to discuss where the fault may lie and how to avoid issues like this in the future.

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Episode 051: Keeping Calm in the Courtroom
Feb 15, 2019

Dr. Jill Huntley-Taylor and Brian Fortenberry break down the process of preparing medical professionals for trial and eliminating surprises while going through the process. Huntley-Taylor discusses how to gather information, what jurors expect from the medical professional, and what kind of attitude to bring into the courtroom.

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Episode 050: Prescribing Opioids During an Epidemic
Feb 08, 2019

Dr. Greg Mancini joins Brian Fortenberry to discuss opioids and narcotics and what could have caused the crisis. Mancini discusses the complications and side effects of the drug, as well as alternatives the medical community could utilize to control the issue without compromising patient care.

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Episode 049: Taking Your Practice Online
Feb 01, 2019

Dr. Kevin Pho joins the podcast to discuss the pros and cons that social media has on the healthcare industry, clinician rating websites, and the importance of a physician’s online presence. Social media gives physicians the power to reach their patients directly, but more than this, it puts the power of knowledge at the patient’s fingertips.

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Episode 048: Get Better with Vantage
Jan 18, 2019

Host Brian Fortenberry and Judy Musgrove, Assistant Vice President of Marketing and Communications, discuss SVMIC’s brand new resource platform, Vantage. With Vantage, SVMIC brings their online service up to the same level of their personal service. This portal has everything that SVMIC offers online, for both policyholders and practice managers.

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Episode 047: The Case of Good Medicine, Management, and Documentation
Jan 11, 2019

In this closed claim case, a woman with a family history of breast cancer was closely monitored for 6 years. When she was diagnosed with breast cancer, the patient filed a lawsuit against her general surgeon. She alleged that her cancer should have been diagnosed at least eight months sooner. Learn how, in this case, it proves that even if all the right steps are taken, one is never immune to a lawsuit.

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Episode 046: Avoiding the Crash and Burn
Jan 04, 2019

Dr. Dike Drummond of The Happy MD speaks with Brian Fortenberry about physician burnout. Understanding burnout is not that simple, and Dr. Drummond helps doctors navigate circumstances that can lead to this state. He shares some practical tips on prevention and how to get out of the rut.

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Episode 045: Reviewing RVUs
Dec 14, 2018

Host Brian Fortenberry and guest Jackie Boswell discuss the ins and outs of Relative Value Units (RVUs), how they work, and how they're calculated. They discuss how important it is for physicians to be educated when it comes to RVUs, especially for compensation purposes. RVUs have a wider reach as well, being used to evaluate specialties, compare physicians, and assess practices across the nation.

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Episode 044: A Hard Pill to Swallow
Dec 07, 2018

Along with host Brian Fortenberry, Dr. Stephen Loyd discusses his intimate struggle with opioid addiction. For three years, Dr. Loyd was addicted to painkillers while working as a physician. In one hand, he had everything anyone would want in life. In the other, a handful of pills. He discusses how finding the Tennessee Medical Foundation helped get him out of addiction.

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Episode 043: Power to the Physicians
Nov 23, 2018

With host Brian Fortenberry, SVMIC Vice President of Corporate and Legal Sherie Edwards, and Senior Vice President and General Counsel of the Tennessee Medical Association Yarnell Beaty, discuss medical legislation. When physicians get involved on Capitol Hill, it can really make a difference and turn the tide in legislation. They talk about how important it is to contribute to campaigns, get involved at the grassroots level, and establish relationships with elected officials so that physicians have a voice in what laws are being passed. Although the legislation discussed in this podcast episode was pending in 2018, the information regarding how you can become involved in the legislative process and why it is important is still valid today.

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Episode 042: The Case of Late Expectations
Nov 16, 2018

When pregnant Megan was admitted to the hospital with pain at 32 weeks, the staff failed to recognize fetal distress. This resulted in a C-section performed three hours too late and the infant suffering from severe neurological damage. Brian Fortenberry and attorney Alisa Wamble discuss this closed claim case and how tunnel vision created this sad situation.

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Episode 041: Controlling Controlled Substances
Nov 09, 2018

Brian Fortenberry and Dr. Walter Fitzgerald discuss opioids, prescriptions, and all issues that come with it. Dr. Fitzgerald brings his experience as both an attorney and a pharmacist to the discussion, covering everything from new laws regarding prescriptions to safely disposing of extra pills.

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Episode 040: Closing the Gap
Nov 02, 2018

Michael Burcham, CEO of Narus Health, talks with Brian Fortenberry about care management. Michael discusses finding the gaps between payer, physician, patient, and hospital, improving those gaps, and giving stakeholders a better experience. He also discusses changing the experience that people have, so that instead of healthcare happening to them, it works for them.

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Episode 039: From Witness to Defendant
Oct 26, 2018

Dan Himmelberg, SVMIC Assistant Vice President of Claims, and Brian Fortenberry discuss a closed claim in which a patient suffered an aneurysm after having an appendectomy. The patient's surgeon, who had been an expert witness in other cases, was taken to court himself, where he defended his care of the patient during over 8 years of legal proceedings.

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Episode 038: Doing It Right and Getting It Wrong
Oct 19, 2018

In this closed claim review, a hike up a steep ravine sent William to the hospital with a “weird feeling” in his back. After his symptoms subsided and he was discharged, he passed away of an aortic dissection. Host Brian Fortenberry and SVMIC attorney Judy Reneau discuss the doctor’s defense and how William's symptoms did not lead to the underlying problem.

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Episode 037: One Size Doesn’t Fit All
Oct 12, 2018

Surgeon Dr. Bruce Ramshaw and Brian Fortenberry discuss problems in healthcare and how new models for healthcare based on systems and data science could be applied. Dr. Ramshaw’s goal is to learn the real structural reasons that the global healthcare system is failing and what can be done to fix it.

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Episode 036: The Best Defense is a Good Offense
Oct 05, 2018

Brian Fortenberry and attorney Wendy Longmire dig into the legal services that SVMIC provides. They discuss depositions, how to properly prepare physicians for testimony, and how mutually beneficial it is for a defendant to really become engaged in their own defense.

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Episode 035: Fear Factor
Sep 28, 2018

Host Brian Fortenberry and attorney Jamie Wyatt discuss a closed claim case in which everyone in an operating room, except for the surgeon, was sued due to the complications experienced by the patient post-surgery. They explore this "no talking policy" implemented by the surgeon, and how it created a hostile work environment and a very adverse outcome.

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Episode 034: The Impact of Preconceived Notions
Sep 21, 2018

Attorney Tim Behan and Brian Fortenberry discuss how the depersonalization and dissociation from a well-known patient can help provide more effective treatment. In this closed claim review, a 40-year-old woman with drug-seeking behavior is left with neurological damage due to assumptions made about her condition.

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Episode 033: Pain Points
Sep 14, 2018

Brian Fortenberry talks to Dr. Stephanie Vanterpool, Director of Comprehensive Pain Services at University of Tennessee Medical Center and Medical Director of the University Center for Pain Management. They discuss targeted pain treatment options and how pain is a symptom of an underlying condition.

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Episode 032: The Malpractice Essentials
Sep 07, 2018

Jim Smith, with 36 years of experience in the medical professional liability insurance business, helps us understand medical insurance and what it means to be a part of a mutual insurance company. Join host Brian Fortenberry as they break down MPL and all that goes with it.

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Episode 031: The Case of the Black Box Warning
Aug 31, 2018

In this closed claim case, attorney Stephanie Deupree and host Brian Fortenberry examine a very tragic outcome that began with a man's fall from a six-foot ladder while trying to complete a home improvement project. A medication unfamiliar to the physicians prescribed for pain relief resulted in the man's death.

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Episode 030: The Importance of Belonging
Aug 24, 2018

Dr. John Lytle, former President of the Arkansas Orthopaedic Society, discusses the importance of a physician's involvement in associations, membership groups, and committees. He talks to host Brian Fortenberry about being a part of the local community as well as taking care of other people in your profession.

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Episode 029: The Hypertension is Rising
Aug 17, 2018

Join host Brian Fortenberry and Dr. Elise Schriver as they talk about pulmonary hypertension, its five clinical classes, and how it is being reported more and more on echocardiograms and CT scans. Dr. Schriver is the Associate Clinical Professor at the Graduate School of Medicine at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and the Director of the UT Pulmonary Hypertension Clinic in Knoxville.

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Episode 028: Don’t Leave the Rest Unwritten
Aug 10, 2018

In this closed claim review, Ken Rucker, Vice President of Claims for SVMIC, and host Brian Fortenberry discuss how easy it is to let the daily workload negatively impact the quality of medical documentation. Details forgotten can be hard to defend, especially when Dr. Andrew’s early discharge led to a patient's death one week later.

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Episode 027: No One is Too Good
Aug 03, 2018

A lifelong medical practice executive, Tom Stearns shares the wisdom he’s learned over the years as a manager and leader. With host Brian Fortenberry, they explore the role of a manager in a medical practice and how they should be standing behind their employees in a role of support, instead of cracking the whip.

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Episode 026: Care Off the Record
Jul 27, 2018

Brian Fortenberry details and discusses a closed claim case with Claims Attorney, Zynthia Howse. Together, they review the fallout from a female infant’s routine “Well Baby” visit after the care providers failed to administer a vaccination and did not accurately document it in the medical charts.

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Episode 025: Navigating Care to Comfort
Jul 20, 2018

When treating someone at the end of their life, a doctor has more to consider than curing or healing a patient. General Internist, Dr. Daniel Ely, chats with Brian Fortenberry about what goes into palliative care, advanced care planning, and comfort at the end of life.

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Episode 024: Study Up to Sign Off
Jul 13, 2018

In this week’s episode, SVMIC employee Jackie Boswell details and defines what makes a good managed care contract. Ms. Boswell also offers physicians advice on how to negotiate a more beneficial contract and what process to take to ensure a better partnership within a practice.

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Episode 023: Treatment Pains
Jul 06, 2018

Host Brian Fortenberry chats with Pain Medicine Physician, Dr. Rhett Blake about the newer guidelines that relate to doctors providing pain treatment. Together, they cover the nationwide Opioid epidemic, where it’s rampant, and what’s been done at the national and local level.

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Episode 022: Talk it Out
Jun 29, 2018

Host Brian Fortenberry and experienced claims attorney and risk reduction expert, Shelly Weatherly, talk about how to stay out of legal hot water amidst the stress and responsibility of patient care combined with the possibility of a lawsuit. Hear how clear communication and investing in the doctor-patient relationship can make all the difference.

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Episode 021: The Case of Cascading Conditions
Jun 22, 2018

This week, we review a closed case against a doctor who failed to give a timely diagnosis and treat Mary’s retroperitoneal hemorrhage following a cardiac catheterization. This led to a series of unfortunate medical complications. Senior Claims Attorney Tim Rector talks about this complicated case with Brian Fortenberry.

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Episode 020: Ready, Set, Start-Up
Jun 15, 2018

Brian Fortenberry talks to Sheri Smith to learn more about setting up a private practice like a business. They discuss how SVMIC can offer recommendations on vendors and professionals, as well as providing a practice startup toolkit that includes checklists and medical records retention details for each state.

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Episode 019: Pushing the Limits
Jun 08, 2018

Charmy Shrode, VP of Underwriting, continues to talk with Brian Fortenberry about policies for medical liability coverage. They discuss how far a policy can extend (from you as an individual to your solely-owned practice) and how some plaintiff attorneys prefer to sue an entire entity rather than an individual.

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Episode 018: Read the Coverage
Jun 01, 2018

Join Brian Fortenberry as he talks to VP of Underwriting, Charmy Shrode, about the intricacies of policy documents, information, and coverage. A policy is a contract between the insured and the insurer—don’t be guilty of putting it away in a drawer without reading it first.

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Episode 017: The Technology Angle of Attack
May 25, 2018

As technology becomes even more integrated with healthcare and care management, security becomes a larger threat to medical professionals. In this episode, Kari Stern from NAS talks with host Brian Fortenberry about claims, coverage, and data management practices within Cybersecurity.

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Episode 016: The Case of Nothing Noted
May 18, 2018

SVMIC Claims Attorney, J. Baugh discusses Eliza James’ malpractice case with Brian Fortenberry. Baugh thoroughly reviews the complete lack of continuity of care, including the multiple mistakes made by her providers, errors with her medical charts and labs, and overall poor communication with the staff which ultimately led to her death.

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Episode 014: Get Down to Business
May 04, 2018

When practicing medicine, a doctor can be employed by a hospital system or large group, or they can run their own private practice. In this week's episode, Board-certified orthopedic physician, John Lytle chats with Brian about the particulars that come with running a private practice vs. being in a large hospital group.

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Episode 013: The Case of Reduction Results
Apr 27, 2018

This week, we review a closed claim case involving 18-year-old Samantha Smith who suffered complications from a breast reduction surgery. SVMIC Vice President of Claims, Ken Rucker, walks us through the ins-and-outs of Samantha's multiple procedures and the resulting deformities from infection.

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Episode 012: Mind Your Business
Apr 20, 2018

Steve Dickens is SVMIC's Medical Practice Services expert who consults doctors on the business side of practices. In this episode, he discusses recommendations on contract negotiations, interactions with colleagues, and thinking through exit strategies as it relates to employment agreements.

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Episode 011: No Pain Is The Game
Apr 13, 2018

In this week’s episode, we look at developments with pain management and pain medication with a specialist and medical expert. Dr. Blake discusses the Opioid epidemic as a national crisis, better and more appropriate treatments, and how physicians should approach patients struggling with pain.

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Episode 010: The Case of Time Ticking Away
Apr 06, 2018

Host Brian Fortenberry chats with SVMIC attorney Katy Smith about the closed claim where a toddler receives treatment due to a tick bite. Together, they review the communication issues between physicians, the lack of continuity in care, and the misdiagnosis that led to the patient dying from a related infection.

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Episode 009: The Case of Running Back Rundown
Mar 30, 2018

In this week’s episode, host Brian Fortenberry interviews former nurse and current malpractice attorney, Stephanie Deupree about a closed claim case. Ms. Deupree details the medical treatment and experience of a 16 year old football player who had their leg amputated after a severe injury on the field.

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Episode 008: Blame Boomerangs Back
Mar 23, 2018

Brian Fortenberry chats with SVMIC Attorney Jim Howell about another Closed Claim Case. They discuss the liabilities and the details of a bowel perforation that was initially missed in the doctor-ordered CT scans and led to the patient’s death.

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Episode 007: HIPAA Know-How – Part 2
Mar 16, 2018

In Part 2 of our 2 part series, we continue our chat with HIPAA expert, Loretta Duncan. Brian asks about the ins-and-outs of HIPAA’s requirements for security with electronic information.

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Episode 006: HIPAA Know-How – Part 1
Mar 09, 2018

In this week’s episode we take a deep dive into the world of HIPAA compliance with Loretta Duncan of SVMIC. In Part 1 of our 2 part series, we cover rules, requirements, and restrictions as it relates to protecting privacy with health information.

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Episode 005: Things to Consider Before You Commit: Joining a Group Practice
Mar 02, 2018

When joining a group practice, there is more to consider than salary and location. In this episode, Dr. Matt Perkins and host, Brian Fortenberry chat about what to think through before you partner up.

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Episode 001: The Case of the Cancelled Appointment
Feb 01, 2018

Brian Fortenberry details the Henry Jackson case and discusses with Claims Attorney, J. Baugh. Together, they review Mr. Jackson’s sinus issues and the mishandling of his care through a faulty appointment tracking system with his ENT.

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Episode 002: The Balancing Act of Work and Life
Feb 01, 2018

In this episode, Brian Fortenberry chats with Dr. Bob Berkompas. As a Primary Care Physician, Dr. Berkompas shares how he balances a hectic work life with three children, medical committees, professional associations, and being active in his church, all while still keeping his promise to his family.

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Episode 003: The Ins and Outs of Malpractice Policies
Feb 01, 2018

Brian Fortenberry interviews Charmy Shrode, VP of Underwriting at SVMIC. Ms. Shrode explains the key differences between traditional insurance policies and malpractice insurance, the legal differences from state-to-state, and why medical professionals should prepare for the worse.

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Episode 004: Confessions of a Recovering Addict
Feb 01, 2018

In this powerful episode, Dr. Bob shares his personal story with Brian. Dr. Bob has struggled with alcohol and drug addictions since his early youth all the way through medical school and well into his practice.

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