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.
Oct 26, 2023
Documentation Can Prevent Litigation: Patient Safety Impact Story
Our Patient Safety INSIGHT Services and extensive library of resources and tools take a data-driven approach to help you reduce adverse events while increasing patient safety and satisfaction. Here is one story of how our Patient Safety/Risk Management team reduced risk in a member practice.
May 11, 2023, Inside Medical Liability Online
Postpartum Malpractice Claims: Can We Understand Preventable Harms and Socioeconomic Factors?
Rates for maternal morbidity and mortality are higher in the U.S. than in any other developed country—and many of the harms suffered by patients are preventable. In a multifactorial study, David L. Feldman, MD, MBA, FACS, Chief Medical Officer, The Doctors Company and TDC Group; Jacqueline Ross, PhD, RN, CPAN, Coding Director, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company, and Shelise Valentine, RNC, MSN, Director of Clinical Education, Healthcare Risk Advisors, part of TDC Group, investigated postpartum claims to develop clinical recommendations to decrease the risks of postpartum morbidity and mortality.
February 21, 2025, MedCentral
7 Mistakes to Avoid If You Get Sued
Robert White, Jr., President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, discusses common errors made by physicians that can negatively impact the outcome of a medical malpractice lawsuit.
March 15, 2024, MDLinx
Patient Dies During BBL Surgery: Physician Without Surgical Privileges Allegedly Punctures Organs
Richard Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, discusses the importance of having healthcare providers and practices accurately report their credentials.
December 19, 2023, PSQH
Patient Safety Predictions for 2024
Robert E. White Jr., President, and Laura Kline, MBA, CPCU, Senior Vice President of Business Development, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, offer their predictions for what will happen in patient safety and healthcare quality in 2024.
Sep 04, 2025
How Inflation Is Impacting Medical Malpractice Claims
Our 2025 study of the impact of inflation on the medical malpractice insurance industry estimates that increasing economic and social inflation added $4 billion in insured losses and expenses incurred by physician-focused insurers. This is a $1.6 billion increase from the previous estimate in our 2023 study. The latest research confirms that inflation is not only persistent—it’s accelerating.
Video May 24, 2024
What Is One of the Keys to Alleviating the Physician Shortage?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts demand for medical services in the U.S. will grow much faster than physician supply, leading to an estimated physician shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 by 2033. In primary care relief is coming for overburdened physicians, as APCs are among the fastest growing professions.
November 13, 2025, Inside Medical Liability
MPL Case: Could Timely Diagnosis Have Preserved This Patient’s Vision?
Despite thorough subject-matter knowledge, physicians can miss the diagnosis of a familiar condition because of issues with clinical judgment. Clinical judgment may be influenced by distraction, interruption, or team communication issues. A new study of malpractice allegations against ophthalmologists suggests that when practices build teamwork skills, they strengthen patient safety and mitigate practice risks.
