We hear quite a few misconceptions about Medical Protection and our service in Hong Kong, so we want to bust those myths once and for all
It’s important that members in Hong Kong fully understand how their Medical Protection membership helps protect their career and professional reputation. We value all members and appreciate they may have questions, so we want to bust some of those myths and set the record straight.
Does Medical Protection have a policy to try and settle claims as soon as possible rather than defend the member?
It is a common misconception that we settle claims as quickly as possible because it is cheaper and easier for us to do so. This is simply not true – in fact, this would just encourage more claims in the long run.
Instead, we take into consideration all of the evidence and information that we have available – including your record keeping notes and consent documents, and give you our considered view on the relative merits of settling or defending a claim, based upon our experience and expertise in these matters.
As a member-owned organisation, supporting members is always our first concern, and we will robustly defend claims whenever possible and where the professional advice is that the patient’s claim has poor prospects of success. Where a claim is deemed indefensible and the advice is that compensation should be paid to a patient, we aim to resolve the claim as quickly as possible.
We are proud to say that 76% of medical claims and potential claims against members were successfully defended worldwide in the five-year period from 2012 to 2016.
Continued education, allied to the adoption of improved record keeping processes and tools by practitioners, will help to ensure more defensible cases. In Hong Kong we actively invest in risk management education for members, stressing the importance and impact that good record keeping has on our ability to defend members successfully. We will continue to partner with members and associations, providing relevant education and advice on the critical process of accurate record keeping.
Does requesting advice affect my annual membership subscription rate?
Medical Protection does not use the number of requests for advice as part of its risk assessment of a member. This includes determining their membership subscription.
In fact, we actively encourage you to contact us for advice to provide peace of mind and to help prevent a concern or problem escalating. That’s what we are here for.
If I have public-practice indemnity do I still need Medical Protection membership too?
Public-practice indemnity ensures public patients are compensated if they suffer harm, rather than protect you or your professional interests.
Generally, public-practice indemnity will not provide:
- legal representation at an inquest where the primary focus of defence is the doctor
- representation or legal support at a MCHK hearing or hospital inquiry, should you be referred for a disciplinary matter
- immediate assistance with responding to a patient complaint
- support when you have been charged with a criminal act, such as manslaughter or assault following a clinical examination of a patient
- support with media relations, by preparing statements and acting as a spokesperson
- assistance with legal and ethical dilemmas
- assistance in drafting or checking medicolegal reports
- support for Good Samaritan acts.
As a Medical Protection member, you can request assistance and guidance with any of these problems.
Our years of experience and expertise mean that we are well placed to remind the government of its obligation to the doctors it employs, especially in respect of claims arising from professional practice in public facilities.
Any other questions?
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on 800 908 433 or at medicalprotection.org