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.
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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.
Community Investment
We are advocates for the health of the entire community—in and out of the clinical setting.
Learning From Medical Oncology Malpractice Claims
Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the U.S., with certain types of cancer increasing despite overall declines in mortality. By reviewing closed malpractice claims involving the medical oncology specialty, our study aims to gain insights into factors affecting cancer care and treatment.
Aug 27, 2024
Spotlight on Grants: Identifying and Mitigating Patient Safety Risks Associated With Telehealth Referrals
The Doctors Company Foundation supported a project to help practitioners identify and mitigate risks when referring telehealth patients to in-person care.
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The Doctor’s Advocate
The Doctors Company Announces 15-Year Anniversary of the Tribute Plan
The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer and part of TDC Group, announced today that it has paid over $140 million in Tribute® Plan awards over the past 15 years to its members.
Sep 19, 2022
Two Directors Join the Foundation Board
The Foundation welcomes two new members to its Board of Directors.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
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.
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.
Our Story: Founded by Doctors for Doctors
Over 40 years ago, as California was gripped by a medical malpractice insurance crisis, leading physicians came together to pass historic legislation on behalf of doctors and tort reform. In the wake of this achievement, The Doctors Company emerged as an entirely new type of insurance carrier—a carrier founded and led by doctors.