Disaster Preparedness for Your Office Practice
Natural disasters can occur suddenly and without warning, highlighting the importance of advance preparation. Make sure your practice has a plan in place.
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Jun 05, 2025
Risk Self-Assessment Programs Help Members Improve Practice Safety
As a member of the nation's largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, you have access to unique, industry-leading resources and benefits. This quarter, we're proud to feature our members-only risk self-assessment programs.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Mar 07, 2025
Foundation Accepting Letters of Intent for 2025 Grants
The Doctors Company Foundation is currently accepting Letters of Intent for its 2025 grant cycle. Letters of Intent will be accepted through the end of business on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
May 02, 2025, Inside Medical Liability Online
MPL Case: Could This Medication Error Occur in Your Practice?
Medication errors and patient falls present marked risks for oncology patients and practices. These types of adverse events, when they occur, are especially likely to result in malpractice claims with paid indemnities. Experts from The Doctors Company discuss how attention to systems factors such as practice policies and protocols, supported by staff training in adherence and implementation, can help protect patients from harm and practices from liability.
Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Recognition of Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a syndrome commonly seen in patients with alcohol use disorder who do not take adequate thiamine. WE should be suspected in any patient with conditions that may lead to malnutrition in combination with any of the following symptoms: altered mental status ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, delirium, and hypotension. Considered a medical emergency, it must be reversed to prevent permanent deficits. This case illustrates a cascade of errors which led to permanent disability. Some practical interventions to quickly recognize and reverse the condition are offered following the case presentation, which will be helpful for gastroenterology/gastroenterologists, ophthalmology/ophthalmologists, and neurology/neurologists.
Professional Education
Preventing Errors in Preoperative Clearance (Claims Corner)
Primary care providers (PCPs) routinely manage complex elderly patients with multiple comorbidities who require elective surgery. Errors can occur when providers are rushed, there is a lack of effective interoffice communication, and the patient has a low health literacy. Communication and care coordination issues are commonly noted among PCPs and consulting specialists. The Doctors Company has analyzed closed claims where PCPs have been held responsible for failures in surgical mismanagement, specifically preop clearance. This program will highlight the contributing factors identified in malpractice claims involving medical clearance and provide practice strategies for reducing liability risk.
Pediatrics: Consider Car Window Hammers for Your Office Emergency Response Kit
Seconds count if an infant, toddler, or young child is accidentally locked inside a hot vehicle. A car window hammer can be a lifesaving tool to include in an emergency response cart or kit.
Otolaryngology: Inadequate Informed Consent Can Lead to Malpractice Claims
Our analysis of otolaryngology claims revealed that inadequate informed consent is a frequent contributing factor in malpractice claims.
Assisting in Your Defense: Strategies for Healthcare Practitioners
Although the majority of healthcare practitioners will face a malpractice claim, few are prepared when served with a lawsuit.
