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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Corporate Influence on Primary Care
Corporate entities have always been involved in healthcare, but now mega corporations—from outside the medical space—are entering the field. The involvement of these large non-legacy corporate entities in healthcare is growing and is challenging—and while this trend brings some benefits, it will also impact how all clinicians provide healthcare.
When Midwives Should Escalate Care
One of the greatest sources of liability for midwives is delays in escalating care. By laying the groundwork for care escalation in advance, all practitioners and practices can promote patient safety while mitigating their own liability risks.
Chairman's Library
Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, Chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company, is the author of a number of peer-reviewed publications on medical malpractice and the impact of defensive medicine.
Dec 13, 2022
Risks of Delayed Care Post-Roe
In the wake of the Dobbs decision, which overturned Roe v. Wade, rapid changes in hospital protocols have at times amplified confusion over what is legally allowed when responding to ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, or other obstetric complications. Clinicians in some states may feel pinned between their obligation to care for the patient and their obligation not to break the law.
Nonadherent and Noncompliant Patients: Overcoming Barriers
Nonadherent or noncompliant patient conduct (whether intentional or inadvertent) can adversely affect clinical outcomes, undermine the practitioner-patient relationship, and disrupt the operation of practice.
Otolaryngology Informed Consent Guide
Our analysis of otolaryngology claims revealed that inadequate informed consent is a frequent contributing factor in malpractice claims.
Video Jul 29, 2024
Nuclear Verdicts' Impact on MPL Rates
In 2010, there were 18 nuclear verdicts totaling $10 million or more in the United States. By the end of 2023, there were 58 of these large verdicts, meaning there was at least one nuclear verdict occurring every week across the U.S. The bad news? 2024 is on pace to equal or surpass what transpired in 2023. Robert White, President of The Doctors Company and TDC Group, discusses how large verdicts are creating a domino effect on medical professional liability rates.
Sep 05, 2025
Patient Safety INSIGHT Services Shine a Light on Risks and Trends Others Can’t See
The Doctors Company is continually working to identify potential sources of risk and enhance patient safety. Our Patient Safety INSIGHT Services take a data-driven, collaborative approach to help you reduce adverse events while increasing patient safety and satisfaction.
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The Doctor’s Advocate
Professional Education
Loss Lessons: Recognition of Wernicke Encephalopathy
Wernicke encephalopathy (WE) is a syndrome commonly seen in patients with alcohol use disorder who do not take adequate thiamine. WE should be suspected in any patient with conditions that may lead to malnutrition in combination with any of the following symptoms: altered mental status ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, delirium, and hypotension. Considered a medical emergency, it must be reversed to prevent permanent deficits. This case illustrates a cascade of errors which led to permanent disability. Some practical interventions to quickly recognize and reverse the condition are offered following the case presentation, which will be helpful for gastroenterology/gastroenterologists, ophthalmology/ophthalmologists, and neurology/neurologists.
