Jun 17, 2022
RCA2: Improving Root Cause Analyses
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.
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Diagnostic Error in General Surgery
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.
Licensing Board Complaints: A Top Risk for APCs
APCs are often underinsured for the risks of a complaint or investigation by a licensing board, which can result in fines or the loss of ability to practice. Personal malpractice coverage can strengthen an APCs legal defense.
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.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
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.
Medical Malpractice and Preparticipation Sports Physicals
Physicians should be aware of liability risks associated with preparticipation sports physicals.
Jun 18, 2024
Choose Your Most Important Quality Measure, Examine for Equity, and Begin
Guest author Mark D. Smith, MD, MBA, considers the connections between equity and high-quality care and offers strategies for prioritizing efforts.
From
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.
Professional Education
Prevention of Medical Errors 2024 to 2026 (National)
Few medical errors are attributed to faulty medical judgment. More commonly, they are attributed to system failures inherent in healthcare delivery. By drawing on our professional liability closed claims data, we have identified common performance and diagnostic errors. We analyzed loss prevention measures in tandem with the elements necessary to conduct a credible and thorough root cause analysis to reduce system failures, respond to sentinel events, prevent medical errors, and improve patient safety. The purpose of this program is to provide clinicians with the most current information regarding the prevention of common performance and diagnostic errors.
Reduce Clinician Burnout With People-First Leadership
Solving burnout requires a comprehensive organizational commitment and people-first leaders who have the tenacity to change systems and deliver solutions.
