The High Costs of Defensive Medicine
“Defensive medicine” is an increasingly common practice that should concern every American woman—the growing tendency of doctors to order needless tests to establish a medical record for their defense in case they are sued. Defensive medicine exacts huge costs, in both fiscal and human terms.
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The Tribute Plan Frequently Asked Questions
The Tribute Plan is a breakthrough financial benefit that rewards eligible members for their loyalty to The Doctors Company and for their commitment to superior patient care.
Marginalized Groups and the Digital Divide
Artificial intelligence (AI) has potential to help alleviate clinician burnout and address health disparities, but some technologies might not be accessible to all groups. Kevin Johnson, MD, MS, University Professor of Biomedical Informatics, Computer Science, Pediatrics, and Science Communication at the University of Pennsylvania, Vice President of Applied Clinical Informatics in the Penn Medicine, University of Pennsylvania Health System, shares insights during TDC Group’s 2024 Executive Advisory Board Meeting.
Sep 01, 2023
Inflationary Pressure on Medical Liability Reforms Increasing
Across the nation, inflation is affecting medical liability reforms and making it difficult to defend hard-won protections.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
September 11, 2025, KevinMD
Nuclear Verdicts and Rising Costs: How Inflation Is Reshaping Medical Malpractice Claims
Physicians today face mounting challenges in the practice of medicine, including declining reimbursement, workforce shortages, administrative burdens, and the ever-present risk of litigation. The Doctors Company’s latest study, “Nuclear Verdicts and Rising Costs: How Inflation Is Impacting Medical Malpractice Claims,” highlights another pressure point: the accelerating impact of inflation on medical malpractice claims.
Community Investment
We are advocates for the health of the entire community—in and out of the clinical setting.
Harvard Study Continues to Distort Healthcare Quality Debate
The Harvard Medical Practice Study is often cited in discussions of healthcare quality and medical malpractice reform. Missing from this discussion is any mention of the critical flaws of the study, which not only render the data of virtually no use for public policy debate, but which also fail to support the authors’ conclusions about the medical-legal system.
Reflections on the Pandemic’s Three-Year Anniversary
As we pass the three-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, it is a time for reflection, looking back on the exceptional challenges faced, the incredible heroism we witnessed from all healthcare professionals, and the lessons learned.
Informed Consent: Substance and Signature
True informed consent is a process of managing a patient’s expectations through shared decision making. It is not just a signature on a document.
Healthcare Staffing Shortages: Decrease Practice Risks
Ongoing staffing shortages negatively influence the quality and depth of many primary and support roles throughout the healthcare workforce. The scarcity of employees has also contributed to elevated levels of stress and burnout.
