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I made a personal loan to an employee, and then she quit. Can I withdraw the funds from her retirement plan account?

California's "Octomom," octuplet mother Nadya Suleman, has certainly raised questions about a physician's duty to patients and society.

Something has gone awry to create an environment that leaves well-intended physicians victimized when government audits reveal their software systems have allowed-even facilitated-submission of non-compliant and potentially fraudulent claims.

The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which promises potential incentives of as much as $64,000 for physicians who adopt an electronic health record system, may have spawned a new cottage industry: EHR selection consultants.

More physician leaders have adopted information technology tools, such as electronic medical records and e-prescribing, than five years ago, but they are generally unsatisfied with the products available.

One out of every eight physicians has been inactive for at least a year in the state in which he is licensed, and most states do not require such physicians to undergo competency tests or retraining when they return to active practice, according to two studies at the University of Michigan.

In what's being touted as a potential game-changer for health information technology, Wal-Mart is entering the business of electronic health records.

The vast majority of Medicare care-coordination programs of chronically ill Medicare patients showed no significant cost savings or health improvements, according to a study published last month.

The danger of EHRs; When you are the patient

Pharma "rebels," physicians who are deeply dissatisfied with and speak out against pharmaceutical companies, are becoming more prevalent in the U.S., a recent poll indicates. Should Big Pharma be worried?

A new computer decision-support tool for physicians can result in more recommendations from specialists being implemented during a patient's hospitalization, according to a study by its developers.

A group of prominent Maryland healthcare institutions has submitted a plan to create a statewide health information exchange that will allow hospitals to share electronic medical records.

Doctors worried about patients trashing their reputations online can now ask them to sign a waiver promising they won't.

Most medication errors in primary care practices are prescribing errors--many of which could be prevented by electronic tools, according to a new study by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality.

Federal officials are providing little guidance thus far on how physicians can access funds in the $787 billion federal stimulus package to help offset the cost of buying and implementing electronic health record systems.

It is appropriate for primary care doctors to code for visits for patients who request blood-pressure checks and lab slips but who come in without complaints. Primary care doctors are an important part of effective ongoing patient care.

Will Medicare be giving a 2 percent bonus for e-prescribing, along with an additional 2 percent bonus for reporting quality measures?

Despite today's historic market woes, I have come to the conclusion that stocks or their equivalents are the safest, most convenient, most efficient method of growing your savings and securing your retirement.

The challenge: Ensuring legal compliance with e-mailed patient records and appointment reminders.

What is and is not appropriate information to include in phone messages from auto dialers?

Are there any steps I should take before dismissing a patient who repeatedly shows up late for appointments?

I currently hold a credit card with a $5,000 balance and a 15 percent interest rate. I was wondering if I should decrease the amount I am contributing to my retirement plan through work and put the "extra" dollars toward the credit-card debt.

I understand the importance of securing an individual disability policy while still in training, but I recently was told that with my income potential, I should consider securing two policies. Why is that?

I am interested in starting to save for my two-year-old child's college education. I have heard great things about 529 plans and was wondering if that is the only plan I should utilize?

Make sure Medicare gets the complete picture of a patient's long-term hospital stay when submitting a claim-especially when several specialists work on the case. You should include all diagnoses on the claim.

Have you ever cared for a terminally ill patient who has asked to die? Though you may feel uncomfortable dealing with such situations, it is imperative to have a plan for dealing with them.

If you've ever attended a trade conference, you know doctors love free stuff. So we're letting you know about a free financial planning book for physicians written by the president of a Dallas-based advisory firm.

A retired doctor shares his story of rediscovering his passion for medicine by volunteering in a hospice.