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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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.
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.
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.
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
2025 Legislative Update
Most states adjourned their 2025 regular legislative sessions mid-year. A handful of states remain in regular session and a smattering of states have returned or are expected to convene special sessions to address budget and other issues. While the pace of legislation activity has slowed, TDC Group’s Government Relations team continues to advocate on pending legislation, prepare with coalitions for the 2026 legislative sessions, and engage in key judicial actions warranting an amicus curiae voice.
January 29, 2025, ACS Practice Management
Lessons Learned from a Medical Malpractice Lawsuit: Aortic Surgery in a Patient with Significant Underlying Coronary Disease
David Han, MD, FACS, and Jacqueline Ross, RN, PhD, Coding Director, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, discuss the complications and critical decision-making errors in a case of aortic surgery on a patient with severe coronary disease. The article emphasizes the importance of thorough preoperative evaluation and considering all surgical options to manage complications effectively.
