Electronic Health Records Continue to Lead to Medical Malpractice Suits
We analyzed 216 medical malpractice claims that closed from 2010 to 2018 in which EHRs contributed to patient injury. The pace of these claims grew, from a low of seven cases in 2010 to an average of 22.5 cases per year in 2017 and 2018. As EHRs approach near-universal adoption, they may become a more prevalent source of patient safety risk.
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Curbside Consultations: Patient Safety and Legal Risks
Informal consultations are tempting to busy healthcare practitioners because they are convenient and speedy, but these situations also include inherent liability risks for the consulting practitioner.
July 01, 2025, MedCentral
Malpractice Risks for Neurologists: How to Avoid a Lawsuit
Diagnostic error is the most prevalent reason for lawsuits against neurologists, occurring in about one-third of the claims. Experts share top strategies to reduce malpractice risk, including documentation, vigilance about differential diagnoses, and more.
The Malpractice Experience of Orthopedic Surgeons 2011 to 2021: Patient Selection and Communication May Mitigate Risk of Claims
This study analyzed 1559 closed medical malpractice claims and suits (814 ambulatory, 745 inpatient) from the loss years of 2011 to 2021 in which orthopedic surgeons were the major responsible service.
Medical and Dental Record Issues: Frequently Asked Questions
We answer questions frequently asked by members about medical and dental records, such as length of retention, how to destroy hard copy paper records, and creating backups of electronic health records.
Diagnostic Error in General Surgery: Cognitive Bias and Systems Issues in Medical Malpractice Claims (Abstract)
Although claims against general surgeons primarily allege technical surgical-type errors, diagnostic error is the second most frequent allegation against or case type for general surgeons. Analysis of malpractice claims can elucidate the causes of and solutions to diagnostic errors. This study considers differences between diagnostic errors, both cognitive and systemic, committed by general surgeons in the inpatient vs. the outpatient setting.
OB Patient Safety Credit Program
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.
Dealing With Online Patient Complaints
Clinicians are understandably concerned about their reputations and the consequences of any negative comments posted about them on social media platforms.
Obtaining Informed Consent in Clinical Teaching Situations
The basic principles governing informed consent and informed refusal apply to healthcare practitioners in all settings—including academic medical centers and any teaching location.
Contributing Factors to Medical Malpractice Claims: Study Examines Difference Between No-Payment and Indemnity Claims
In November 2023, The Doctors Company released a study on diagnosis-related medical malpractice claims with an indemnity over $1 million. Now, to expand our understanding, we have conducted a new analysis: Do contributing factors differ between malpractice claims with no payment and claims with indemnity payments?