To Mitigate Negligence Risks, CRNAs Must Adhere to Standards of Practice—and Document the Story of Their Care
Many certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) worry about what will happen if they are reported to the National Practitioner Data Bank (NPDB), but because the reporting process and its implications are often misunderstood, some of these worries may be unfounded. Understanding more about the NPDB can allay CRNAs’ potential concerns about their professional prospects.
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Detecting and Addressing Incidental Findings: Medical Malpractice Claims
With the use of current imaging technology, it has become more common to find abnormalities, or “incidental findings,” that are unrelated to the reason the imaging was ordered. This review of closed claims from The Doctors Company examines factors that contribute to missed incidental findings and offers strategies to improve follow-up and prevent patient harm.
Burnout and Litigation Against Primary Care Providers: Where Do They Overlap?
Certain trends in primary care suggest potential avenues for investigation into malpractice allegations. These include a worsening shortage of primary care physicians, an association between burnout and patient safety concerns, and the rise in both the number of women physicians and the rate of burnout among women physicians.
Informed Refusal
Documenting a patient’s refusal of test or treatment options is key to minimizing risk exposure.
Otolaryngology: Reduce Risk When Performing Diagnostic Imaging Services
Adding point-of-care imaging to an otolaryngology practice is convenient for patients and a source of revenue for the practice. It also comes with responsibility and potential risk.
The Doctors Company Announces $15.1 Million Dividend
The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, announced today that it has approved a 2025 premium dividend of approximately $15.1 million, bringing the total of declared dividends to date to $485 million.
March 31, 2022, Medical Economics
Trends in Malpractice Awards
Robert E. White Jr., Chief Operating Officer of TDC Group, discusses the rising cost of medical malpractice premiums and the trends in malpractice awards.
Professional Education
Anesthesia: Diagnosis and Management of Posterior Anterior Neck Hematoma
Anterior neck hematoma (ANH) is a serious emergency that can block the airway and endanger the life of a patient who has had neck surgery. Anesthesia professionals need to be ready to identify ANH and act when there is no surgeon nearby. This course covers recognizing the signs and symptoms of postoperative ANH and strategies for response.
April 26, 2022, Medscape
Malpractice Case: Did Error Cause Neurologic Impairment?
Our case study, published by Medscape, illustrates the importance of taking escalating risks seriously and emphasizes the value of early communication among healthcare providers.
February 01, 2025, Today’s FDA
Nuclear Verdicts in Healthcare: How Social Inflation Impacts Physicians, Patients and the Future of Medicine
Bob White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, discusses how desensitization to big numbers, eroding tort reform, and other factors are increasing healthcare costs.
