Delay in Diagnosing Breast Cancer
A delay in diagnosing breast cancer may result when a patient doesn’t follow through with diagnostic recommendations.
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Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Practicing Out of Bounds
Unlicensed staff are vital to efficient patient flow in medical practice. Healthcare organizations have many tasks that are safely and effectively carried out by skilled unlicensed support staff every day. To reach such efficiencies with safety and reliability, careful attention must be given to scope of practice and state and local statutes regarding delegation and supervision. Policies and protocols that outline the scope of practice for unlicensed staff to follow independently, and when they must consult with licensed staff, help even the most talented of your staff understand their boundaries. This case illustrates how informal verbal guidelines can blur the lines and cause well-meaning staff to cross the boundary lines of their scope leading to misdiagnosis and death.
Pediatric Claims: April Malpractice Risk Review—Insights to Reduce Patient Harm and Malpractice Exposure
The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, today released “Pediatric Claims: April Malpractice Risk Review,” the newest edition in a monthly series of specialty-focused analyses designed to support patient safety and clinical risk management.
New York Legislative Update
The New York State Legislature adjourned on June 18, 2025, closing a highly active session marked by both key wins and ongoing challenges. While we secured full funding for the Medical Indemnity Fund and Section 18 excess coverage, several concerning bills were passed and now await potential action by the governor.
Effective Obstetrical Team Communication
Effective communication requires a team effort for the exchange of concise and relevant information.
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.
Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Guide
Alzheimer’s disease, the most common cause of dementia, is the seventh-leading cause of death in the U.S. Early diagnosis provides important benefits to diagnosed individuals and their loved ones, caregivers, and society.
Government Relations Advocacy Updates
Each issue of the Government Relations Advocacy Update provides insights into legislative and judicial actions that impact medical liability and the practice of medicine. We are committed to providing an enduring national platform for advocacy for healthcare.
Kathryn A. Bowen
Kathryn Bowen is the executive vice president of Madison Healthcare Insurance Services in Huntington Beach, California. She has been working in medical malpractice insurance for over 20 years.
Video May 22, 2024
What Is Social Inflation?
Healthcare practices and institutions are affected by the same economic forces that impact the communities and business climates in which they operate. Social inflation has reshaped numerous markets, but its effect on healthcare has been monumental. But what exactly is social inflation? Robert White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group and industry-leading expert on the impact of social inflation on medical professional liability, explains in this short clip.
