Diagnostic Error in General Surgery: Cognitive Bias and Systems Issues in Medical Malpractice Claims (Abstract)
Although claims against general surgeons primarily allege technical surgical-type errors, diagnostic error is the second most frequent allegation against or case type for general surgeons. Analysis of malpractice claims can elucidate the causes of and solutions to diagnostic errors. This study considers differences between diagnostic errors, both cognitive and systemic, committed by general surgeons in the inpatient vs. the outpatient setting.
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Social Inflation Causes Between $2.4 and $3.5 Billion of All Medical Malpractice Losses, The Doctors Company Study Finds
In the decade ending in 2021, between $2.4 and $3.5 billion, or 8 to 11 percent, of all medical malpractice losses incurred by physician-focused insurers stemmed from social inflation, according to new research from The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer and part of TDC Group.
Jun 17, 2022
RCA2: Panel Report on Improving Root Cause Analyses and Actions to Prevent Harm
James P. Bagian, MD, PE, member of The Doctors Company Board of Governors, co-chaired a panel with the National Patient Safety Foundation to improve how we can learn from adverse events and unsafe conditions and take action to prevent their occurrence in the future.
Nov 12, 2019
Closing or Relocating a Healthcare Practice
Physician practices close for many reasons, including physician illness or death or a decision to sell, practice solo, join another group, relocate, or retire. These patient safety and risk management tips can help make the transition easier.
Sep 05, 2025
An Updated Approach to Perioperative Management of Patients Undergoing Noncardiac Surgery: Cleared for Take-Off?
The new guideline for evaluating surgical patients for cardiovascular risk promotes a multidisciplinary approach that can help improve patient outcomes.
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The Doctor’s Advocate
October 24, 2025, Infographic
Lessons From Ophthalmology Malpractice Claims
See the top insights and risk management strategies from our study of closed ophthalmology malpractice claims.
Medical Malpractice and Preparticipation Sports Physicals
Physicians should be aware of liability risks associated with preparticipation sports physicals.
February 24, 2024, Risk Management and Healthcare Policy
Analysis of Closed Claims Among All Medical Specialties: Importance of Communication and Other Non-Clinical Contributing Factors
Evaluation of contributing factors associated with medical malpractice claims provides important information to optimize the patient–provider relationship. This review of closed claims from The Doctors Company highlights common factors contributing to lawsuits and strategies to avoid them, with a particular focus on communication.
October 31, 2022, Part B News
As Practice Burnout Boils Over, Take Bold Steps to Hold and Head it Off
Even as pandemic pressures fade, symptoms of burnout in medical providers are getting worse rather than better. Robert Morton, MAS, CPPS, Assistant Vice President, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company, discusses the reasons for increased physician burnout and provides constructive tools to improve and combat symptoms.
Feb 07, 2025
Dental Risk Self-Assessment: Exclusively for Members
The Doctors Company’s online Dental Risk Self-Assessment exclusively for members can identify hidden liability risks in your dental practice. Regardless of the size of your practice or whether you are a general practitioner or a dental specialist, this easy-to-navigate self-assessment will guide you through common pitfalls in dental practices and provide you with risk management resources and strategies to prevent adverse outcomes and patient harm.
