Avoiding Peer Review: Top 10 Tips

1. DOCUMENT THE MEDICAL RECORD WELL

Your best defense is the medicine, so make sure the medical record clearly reflects it.

2. RESPECT THE HEALTH CARE TEAM

Do all you can to eliminate complaints that may trigger a review of medical care or allegations of disruption.

3. RESPECT YOUR PATIENTS

Even if your medical care meets the standard, administration must deal with unhappy patients and a peer review may result.

4. CHOOSE YOUR HOSPITALS CAREFULLY

Having privileges at more than one hospital allows you to continue your practice in the event your privileges are affected at another hospital.

5. HOLD POSITIONS ON MEDICAL STAFF COMMITTEES

Being active on committees will allow you to be informed and diffuse potential problems.

6. FIND ALLIES ON THE MEDICAL STAFF

Whether your practice partners or physicians who know and respect you, have support from those in power.

7. DON'T COMPLAIN IF VULNERABLE

If you have little support (you are a solo, new to the medical staff, competitors hold power), complaining may cause scrutiny of your practice.

8. RESPOND IN WRITING TO ALL INQUIRIES

Respond in writing to all inquiries (no matter how minor) and make sure the tone is credible and factual.

9. PAY ATTENTION TO THE ATMOSPHERE

Be alert to signals that you are not welcome on the medical staff and address them.

10. RESOLVE IT OR GET OUT OF DODGE

Resolve any issues directly with the medical staff on a professional level and, if not possible, take your practice elsewhere, with legal counsel’s help.