We are proud to offer the OB Patient Safety Credit Program, our voluntary program that is open to all qualifying member obstetricians, family practitioners providing obstetrical care, and certified nurse midwives (CNMs) who are actively involved in deliveries.
Mar 26, 2018
Nurse Practitioner Closed Claims: Risk Mitigation Strategies
Strategies to help nurse practitioners and physicians prevent patient injuries.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Mar 26, 2018
Nurse Practitioner Closed Claims Study
An expert analysis of medical malpractice allegations against nurse practitioners.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Oct 24, 2017
Give Your Patient Safety Culture a Check Up Using Assessment Survey
Healthcare managers are making concerted efforts to cultivate a pervasive culture of patient safety. Creating a patient safety culture shifts the focus away from the blame game that punishes individuals for failures—which can increase liability over the long term—toward creating policies and procedures that cultivate an environment of openness and foster patient safety.
Oct 24, 2017
Doctors Examine Injury Risks with Malpractice Closed Claims
Taking a close look at research into real-life malpractice claims and incorporating some of the findings into their practices is one way physicians are reducing risks of adverse events.
Aug 28, 2017
Obstetrical Closed Claims: What Can We Learn?
These lessons learned from our analysis of closed obstetrical claims are part of our CME article series.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
May 03, 2017
Guide to Patient Safety and Reducing Liability in Obstetrics and Gynecology
This topic-based guide to reducing liability in obstetrics and gynecology is an essential reference for obstetricians, gynecologists, family practitioners, and advanced practice providers who are actively involved in delivering women’s healthcare.
Apr 10, 2017
Latex Precautions in Obstetrics and Gynecology
Recognizing latex allergies is an important patient safety precaution.
Mar 31, 2017
Case Summary: A Delay in Diagnosing Breast Cancer
This article discusses the benefits of examining the source of behavior for non-adherence with cancer diagnostic recommendations.
Mar 01, 2017
Boost Patient Safety: How to Reduce Risks with Vaccinations
Physicians should always be attentive to the importance of timely vaccines against infectious diseases for patients of all ages. Whether you’re seeing patients for back-to-school immunizations or preparing adult patients for travel abroad, this article can help you assess the vaccine administration protocol in your practice to reduce risks and enhance patient safety.
Mar 01, 2017
Weekend Call Presents Unique Challenges with Surrogate Birth
Communication among healthcare providers, patients, and adoptive parents is critical.
Feb 18, 2017
Up for Review: Five Keys to Managing Online Criticism
No matter how professional and caring a doctor you may be, eventually you will face criticism on the web. Here are five keys to managing that criticism.
Nov 30, 2016
Watch for the Signs: Screen All Patients for Suicidal Thoughts
Patients with suicidal thoughts or ideation appear occasionally in physician encounters. Any patient, no matter what issue is being treated and in any setting, could be at risk for suicide. A consistent and formal screening process, plus a response plan, will protect both the patient and the physician.
Aug 09, 2016
What Doctors Need to Know About Zika
Physicians across the U.S. should practice vigilance to ensure patient safety and reduce risk of potential adverse events as we continue to learn more about the Zika virus.
May 12, 2016
Specialty Advisory Boards: Bringing Together Expertise
We provide forums for healthcare leaders to exchange ideas and identify ways to help us advance the practice of good medicine.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
May 12, 2016
Obesity: A Common Comorbidity in Malpractice Claims
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
May 01, 2016
Effective Obstetrical Team Communication
Effective communication requires a team effort for the exchange of concise and relevant information.
Dec 08, 2015
New Early Warning Criteria Could Reduce Maternal Mortality
Guest author Dr. Susan Mann reports on a new initiative to address the significant increase in maternal deaths.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Oct 19, 2015
Navigating Risks in Breast Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment: How Physicians Can Enhance Patient Safety
Patients diagnosed with breast cancer must navigate the complex healthcare system while dealing with the emotions of their diagnosis, relying on the expertise, communication, and empathy of caregivers who practice in environments with inherent risks. A study by The Doctors Company and CRICO Strategies reveals the top patient safety risks in breast cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how to reduce those risks.
Oct 01, 2015
What Do You Know About Breast Reconstruction?
Breast cancer is a devastating diagnosis and the treatment tends to have a direct impact on a woman’s self-esteem, especially if there has been a mastectomy or partial mastectomy. Just knowing breast reconstruction is an option is consoling; it offers hope for many patients. Yet physicians and patients typically have questions about the process of breast reconstruction.
Oct 01, 2015
Breast Cancer Resources
These resources can assist physicians in decreasing risks when diagnosing and treating patients with breast cancer.
Jul 13, 2015
Shoulder Dystocia Documentation: Implementing a Protocol in Your Facility
Shoulder dystocia claims have traditionally been among the most problematic to defend.
May 01, 2015
Obstetrics Closed Claims Study
This review of 882 obstetrical claims identifies the most common patient allegations and the specific factors contributing to patient injury.
May 01, 2015
Tips for Reducing Medical Malpractice Claims in Obstetrics
The Doctors Company’s Obstetrics Closed Claims Study, a review of 882 obstetrical claims that closed from 2007-2014, revealed underlying vulnerabilities that place patients at risk and increase liability for doctors. These tips can help physicians address these risks.
Apr 20, 2015
Mid-level Practitioner Liability—Preventive Action and Loss Reduction Plan
This booklet can help practitioners avoid liability risks when hiring or working with mid-level practitioners.
Jan 22, 2015
Working with Patients Who Do Not Follow the Treatment Plan
Patients who do not follow the treatment plan may become high liability risks because their behavior often exacerbates existing health problems, which can lead to negative outcomes.
Dec 10, 2014
Editorial Comment on Maintenance of Certification
Dr. Troxel suggests ways to restructure the MoC examination process to adapt it to changes in the healthcare delivery system.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Dec 02, 2014
Diagnostic Error in Medical Practice by Specialty
This closed claim review focuses on the variance between specialties in the incidence of diagnosis-related error.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Sep 05, 2014
Conflicting Guidelines on Mammograms Can Pose Risks
Breast cancer screening guidelines issued by national organizations and medical specialties have inconsistent recommendations about mammogram screening ages and intervals, which can create potential liability for delayed or missed diagnoses. Learn how to reduce these mammography risks.
Aug 23, 2014
Patient Safety Alert: ACOG Releases Special Report
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Jun 25, 2014
Rising Number of Infectious Disease Cases Creates Patient Safety Issues
Infectious diseases and their inherent liability risks are becoming more common. This article highlights ways physicians can increase patient safety and reduce liability risks when outbreaks occur.
Dec 20, 2013
Interactive Guide to Patient Safety for Office Practices
This interactive guide is designed to help you uncover areas of potential malpractice exposure in your practice.
Oct 10, 2013
OB Advisory Board
Each meeting of our OB Advisory Board connects a select group of practitioners from around the country with leaders from our patient safety, claims, and underwriting departments. The meetings generate insights that can help improve safety for obstetrical professionals everywhere.
Sep 20, 2013
Avoid Missed or Delayed Diagnosis by Being Aware of Risks for BRCA-Based Breast Cancer
Physicians should be aware of the risk factors for BRCA gene-based cancer in order to identify those who need testing and to avoid delayed or missed diagnosis.
Feb 26, 2013
Changing Times, Changing Practices
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Feb 01, 2013
Interactive Guide for Obstetrical Practices
This interactive guide is designed to help you uncover areas of potential malpractice exposure in your obstetrical practice.
Dec 14, 2012
Interactive Guide for Hospitals: Clinical Departments: Obstetrics (OB) Units
This guide can help uncover areas of potential malpractice exposure in the obstetrics (OB) unit.
Aug 27, 2012
Preventing Delayed Treatment of Fetal Distress
Preventing delay in treatment of fetal distress requires readiness for and recognition and management of complications, improved communications, and required technical skills.
Aug 23, 2012
Delay in Treatment of Fetal Distress
We studied claims alleging delay in treatment of fetal distress in the hope of reducing neonatal injuries.
Aug 01, 2012
Frequently Asked Questions: Obstetrics and Gynecology
Our experts answer questions about topics in obstetrics and gynecology, including cesarean delivery on maternal request and screening mammograms.
Jul 08, 2011
Keys to Patient Safety for Obstetrics and Gynecology
In obstetrics and gynecology, doctors can reduce potential liability by following risk management strategies, such as adopting an "induction checklist."
Mar 01, 2008
Getting Sued for Breast Cancer
Suits involving breast cancer are the most common cause of malpractice litigation in the United States. This article lists the most common issues that lead to claims.