There are time–and therefore likely cost—savings associated with using alternative dispute resolution (ADR) versus litigation to resolve healthcare disputes. In addition, business relationships can be preserved, important in this industry where people typically continue to work together. 

Healthcare organizations can integrate ADR methods into their conflict-management programs to resolve disputes efficiently. See the infographic in this post for the time difference in using ADR v. litigation.

Click

By:Harold Coleman, Jr., Esq., SVP, Mediator/Executive Director, AAA Mediation.org
Neil Carmichael, M.A, Vice President, Education, Educational Services, AAA

Reaching a mutually acceptable outcome—or at least a sense of gratification—through mediated settlement discussions primarily depends on two key variables.

• Pre-mediation preparation—substantive, emotional, and attitudinal, and 
• The willingness of the parties to work together cooperatively, rather than adversarially. 

Essayist and philosopher

By:Neil Carmichael, M.A., Vice President, Education, Educational Services, AAA

Simply hanging out the proverbial shingle is not sufficient to qualify one as an arbitrator. Arbitrators must possess the qualities, knowledge, and skills to deliver the benefits of arbitration—speed, economy, and justice—and to instill in parties the confidence that they can capably do so.

In other words, a great arbitrator is schooled in both the “science” and the “art” of arbitration.

Great arbitrators are educated to handle the more straightforward parts of the case.

A well-constructed dispute resolution clause is the foundation of a cost-effective and efficient dispute resolution process. Yet courts regularly are faced with arbitration clauses that are problematic in some respect.

Inserting an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) clause in their contracts allows parties to customize the dispute resolution to their individual circumstances. Since arbitration is a creature of contract, parties must be very clear concerning the process they have elected to utilize to resolve potential disputes.

The Four Musts of a