Page 18 - 2021 Risk Reduction Series - Communication Part Two
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SVMIC Risk Reduction Series: Communication
• Misrepresenting skills or outcomes with before-and-after
photographs
• Celebrity testimonials or endorsements
• Stating effectiveness, safety, or painlessness of treatment
C A S E S T U DY
In one case, a surgeon’s website falsely stated he was
board-certified. The patient allegedly chose the surgeon
based in part on the board-certification claim. The patient
was never satisfied with results and underwent revision
by a different surgeon who suggested the initial surgeon
was negligent.
The patient filed a complaint with the state medical board,
where it was discovered the physician was not board-
certified. The patient filed a lawsuit alleging malpractice,
negligence per se, and negligent representation and fraud
associated with false claims of board certification.
Enlist your corporate attorney to review your website and ensure
there is nothing that could be viewed as a misrepresentation or
a security violation.
Online Reputation Management
With the advent of the internet, ordinary users were suddenly
given the ability to communicate their health experiences to
thousands, if not millions, of people almost instantly. This is
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