8720 Orion Place, Ste 300
Columbus, OH 43240
(614) 457-7660
Our Risk Management Program
Our management, staff and physician members all understand and are committed to the importance of comprehensive patient management and risk management strategies. Now, more than ever, the health provider environment demands that physicians implement techniques to decrease their risk. The proper incorporation of the following initiatives, in conjunction with practicing within the scope of “standard of care,” helps to minimize the risk of medical malpractice. Ascent’s risk management product includes the following:
- 24/7 access to your personal defense attorney
- Patient Advocacy Program/Mediation
- Quality Review Event Reporting
- Standardized Patient Education and Consent Forms
24/7 Access to Your Personal Defense Attorney and Claims Manager
One of the benefits of this program is that it provides an initial response team of a personal defense attorney, the claim manager, and the risk manager who are available 24/7 to respond to problems and concerns on a “quick-react” basis. By having total access to these individuals, you have the opportunity to solve problems before they get started. Your attorney will be involved in all claims from an interdiction and litigation management control aspect. By having a personal defense attorney available at all times, a physician is guaranteed immediate protection of their conversations related to an exposure situation, and the protection of confidential information. Resources are available to assist physicians on how to handle charting, meetings with families, etc… in the unfortunate circumstance of adverse outcomes. It is critical to have immediate assistance available. Each physician member is provided a wallet card with 24/7 contact information for these individuals.
Patient Advocacy Program/Mediation
Ascent MMI is committed to quality patient care and open lines of communication between the physician and the patient. The patient advocacy program is a mediation process in which the physician and patient work together (and sometimes with a neutral third party) to resolve any questions or concerns that patients may have in an attempt to continue to foster a healthy doctor / patient relationship. The sole intent of the mediation agreement, which is signed by all patients, is to provide a basis of resolving any problems that the patient may have, or perceive that they have, while at the same time preserving the legal rights of both the practitioner and the patient. While the mediation agreement is mandatory, it has no binding effect beyond the goal of resolving conflicts or concerns.
Quality Reviewed Event Reporting
Ascent MMI’s Quality Assurance Committee’s (QAC) physician members and legal counsel have developed and approved our quality reviewed event (QRE) reporting form. In the event of an adverse outcome, the QRE reporting form is completed by the physician. The completed form is reviewed and analyzed by the Claims Committee and the Quality Assurance Committee and stored in our database. It is critical to understand that the physician receives peer review as these committees are physician attended and physician driven. In addition to having access to Ascent MMI’s QRE form, the participating physician receives access to the risk management process and assessment. Again, the physician has access to both claims management and legal services.
Standardized Patient Education and Consent Forms
Patient Education and Consent Forms for many OB/GYN procedures have been developed and approved by the physician members of the Quality Assurance Committee and our legal counsel. These forms are available through the Patient Education and Consent Forms.
Risk Management Extranet
Available on the intranet are Consent Forms, Risk Management Manual, Reporting Forms, contact information and information regarding the program.
Risk Management Website
If you are insured through the Ascent MMI Risk Management Program and would like access to the intranet site, please contact us at 614-457-7660.