The chairman of the TMLT Board of Governors, Dr. Dave W. Kittrell, passed away in his sleep July 2, 2010. Dr. Kittrell was serving his final official year of an esteemed 18-year career on the governing board. During his tenure, his care and concern for the physicians of Texas ensured that TMLT was fulfilling its obligations to policyholders. Under his leadership, TMLT grew in both number of policyholders and in the scope of services offered to physicians. Dr. Kittrell was also a strong advocate for medical liability reform for health care providers. He was highly respected by the TMLT staff and physician members of the governing board and claim review committee. We are greatly saddened by the loss of this great leader. Read Dr. Kittrell's obituary.
To assist policyholders in complying with revised HIPAA rules, TMLT has developed a new Business Associate Agreement. We are asking all policyholders to sign this revised agreement and return it to TMLT.
Learn more.
Celiac disease (CD) is now considered a common gastrointestinal autoimmune disease and it goes by other names such as coeliac disease, celiac sprue, non-tropical sprue, gluten intolerance, and gluten-sensitive enteropathy. It is found in people of nearly all ages throughout the world, and it can develop at any time in an at-risk individual. The most common symptom in adults is iron-deficient anemia that does not respond to iron supplementation. However, in adults, the symptoms of CD may present unexpectedly. Symptoms can vary from no gastrointestinal symptoms (silent CD) to severe malnutrition, or they can resemble an extra-intestinal (atypical) disorder. Children tend to present with the more classic signs of CD, including failure to thrive, chronic diarrhea, recurring abdominal bloating and pain, fatigue, and irritability. (1) There is no cure for CD.
The newest edition of TMLT's Case Closed books is now available. Case Closed: A collection of TMLT closed claim studies Volume 4 features 54 closed claim studies based on actual TMLT claims. Request a free copy.
Physicians can earn 4 hours of CME — including 1 ethics hour — by completing the CME activity included in Case Closed. TMLT policyholders who complete this activity will earn a 3% premium discount (maximum $1,000) applied at their next eligible policy period.
Reporter CME test and evaluation forms can now be completed online. Articles on the following topics are currently available:
wrong-site surgery;
shared decision-making;
risk management for physicians with limited patient contact; and
understanding the TMB.
To earn CME credit, go to the Reporter CME page, read the article, and complete the test and evaluation forms. Your CME certificate will be emailed to you.
Not all medical liability suits filed against physicians are prompted by medical errors. Patients often cite other factors as central to the decision to sue. Learn more about these factors by taking TMLT's online CME course 10 things that get physicians sued.
Using TMLT closed claim studies, this course can help physicians learn to avoid the 10 most common errors that can lead to a malpractice suit. TMLT policyholders who complete the course may be eligible for a 3% discount (up to $1,000 per course).
