Search

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.

Nov 27, 2023
Diagnosis-Related Medical Malpractice Claims With Indemnities Over $1 Million: Understanding the Primary Drivers
Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD, Coding Director, and Kathrine Soulsby, RN, BSN, Senior Patient Safety Analyst, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group
Identifying and concentrating on factors related to high-indemnity medical malpractice claims can help to both improve patient outcomes and reduce financial losses. One common thread in high-indemnity claims is diagnostic errors. Therefore, understanding more about how to protect against and prevent diagnostic errors is paramount to patient safety and to mitigating loss costs.

Feb 21, 2023
Risk Management Fundamentals for the Practice Manager
Our complimentary program is exclusive to all member practice managers, both clinical and nonclinical, who are new to the role or seek further education regarding the application of risk management and patient safety measures (or principles) in an office-based medical or dental practice.

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.

Health Insurance Reform Could Lead to Patient Abandonment: Why the Silence?
Will Washington cancel coverage for millions of patients and unleash a tidal wave of litigation on the U.S. healthcare system? I challenge leaders in healthcare and government to address this question.

May 10, 2023, Medscape
5 Ways Docs May Qualify for Discounts on Medical Malpractice Premiums
Todd Zeiter, Senior Vice President, National Underwriting, and Susan Boisvert, Senior Patient Safety Risk Manager, The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group, discuss programs and discounts offered by The Doctors Company,

May 01, 2024, ED Management
Communication Is Major Contributing Factor to ED Malpractice Claims
Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD, Coding Director in the Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management at The Doctors Company, discusses emergency department (ED) malpractice claims that contain allegations that delayed diagnoses led to poor outcomes or death.

Telehealth Coverage
The sharp increase in telemedicine since the start of the pandemic created an expansion of risk in healthcare. TDC Group is responding by offering coverage, including optional general liability and employee benefits liability coverage, for insured medical practices complementing care through virtual visits and for organizations offering 100 percent virtual visits without an established patient-physician relationship, where permitted by law.

Professional Education
Failure to Diagnose Congenital Asplenia Results in Tragic Patient Outcome (Claims Corner CME)
Referral process system failures can contribute to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions which can lead to severe consequences for patients. Problems can arise when referral is needed but is not initiated properly or timely, when the specialist does not ensure their recommendations are fully and clearly communicated back to the referring clinician, when the referring clinician does not understand or act on the specialist’s recommendations, or when the referring office fails to track their open referrals to ensure they have received all consultation reports. This program will examine a malpractice case involving all the above referral-related deficiencies, leading to a catastrophic result for the patient and significant liability for the involved clinicians. Risk management strategies will be provided for any practice to improve the referral process and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.

Dec 09, 2024
Is Your Patient a Victim of Human Trafficking?
Patti L. Ellis, RN, CPHRM, FASHRM, Patient Safety Risk Manager II, The Doctors Company, Part of TDC Group
Although trafficking victims rarely find opportunities to interact with others, a visit to a physician or dental practice may provide an opportunity for a victim to receive help. Learn to recognize the signs of human trafficking and know what steps to take.