Plastic Surgery Closed Claims Study Reveals Most Common Case Types
In this study of plastic surgery closed claims, The Doctors Company looks at the most common case types, most common patient injuries, primary drivers / frequent allegations, and strategies for mitigating risk for both cosmetic and reconstructive surgery.
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Billions for Defense: The Pervasive Nature of Defensive Medicine
Physicians practice defensive medicine all the time—some acknowledge and accept it, while others believe it is untrue and unconscionable. The Doctors Company CEO and Chairman Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, examines the pervasive nature of defensive medicine in this article.
February 19, 2025, JAMA Network Open
Ambient Listening—Legal and Ethical Issues
Ambient listening, which involves using AI to record and analyze conversations between clinicians and patients, is one area of early AI adoption among healthcare professionals. I. Glenn Cohen, JD; Julie Ritzman, MBA, CPHRM; and Richard F. Cahill, JD, provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal and ethical considerations associated with the use of ambient listening technologies in healthcare settings.
November 13, 2025, Inside Medical Liability
MPL Case: Could Timely Diagnosis Have Preserved This Patient’s Vision?
Despite thorough subject-matter knowledge, physicians can miss the diagnosis of a familiar condition because of issues with clinical judgment. Clinical judgment may be influenced by distraction, interruption, or team communication issues. A new study of malpractice allegations against ophthalmologists suggests that when practices build teamwork skills, they strengthen patient safety and mitigate practice risks.
Healthcare Cybersecurity Resources
It’s not a matter of if a data breach will occur in your medical practice—it’s a matter of when. Make sure your practice is prepared with these resources.
Professional Education
Shoulder Dystocia Clinician-Patient Disclosure
This enduring activity is designed to assist physicians and advanced practice clinicians (APCs) in enhancing their communication skills when disclosing a shoulder dystocia injury to patients and family members. This type of injury to the infant may, unfortunately, occur despite the best of care; however, effective physician-patient communication is an integral part of clinical practice and has been shown to positively influence outcomes by increasing patient understanding and trust.
Dec 02, 2024
2024 Judicial Review: Significant Court Decisions on Medical Liability Issues
Between fall 2023 and summer 2024, state supreme courts handed down mixed decisions on medical liability issues affecting healthcare professionals.
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The Doctor’s Advocate
Artificial Intelligence, COVID-19, and the Future of Pandemics
Artificial intelligence (AI) has proven of value in the COVID-19 pandemic and shows promise for mitigating future healthcare crises.
MPL Case: Could Closing the Loop Have Saved This Patient's Life?
Confirming a colleague’s receipt and understanding of serious findings is part of patient safety. Further, closed-loop communication expresses mutual respect, which contributes to professional satisfaction.
Shoulder Dystocia Documentation: Implementing a Protocol
Shoulder dystocia claims have traditionally been among the most problematic to defend.
