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.
Search
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.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Mar 04, 2024
The Vital Role of Healthcare Practitioners in Advocating for Medical Liability Reform Through Political Action
By engaging in political advocacy, healthcare professionals can drive positive change, help shape the future, and safeguard access to care.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Cognitive Assessments in Primary Care: Preparation and Tools May Mitigate Diagnosis Risks
As practices care for the increase in older patients and take advantage of the CMS billing rules, successfully integrating cognitive evaluations into a practice’s workflow without magnifying liability risks takes some preparation.
Mental Health Practitioners: Balancing Privacy With Public Welfare
Societal tension and an increase in demand for mental health services have resulted in unexpected consequences for healthcare practitioners.
The Doctors Company Awarded Great Place to Work Certification for Third Time
The Doctors Company, the nation’s largest physician-owned medical malpractice insurer, announced today it has been Certified as a Great Place to Work for the third time. The recognition is based entirely on what current employees say about working at The Doctors Company, with 89 percent of employees saying it’s a great place to work.
Apr 30, 2024
Mislabeled Diagnostic Specimens Put Lab Team at Risk: Patient Safety Impact Story
A clinical laboratory team that provides diagnostic evaluation of specimens sent in from multiple practices noticed an increase in tissue specimens arriving mislabeled, prompting a Practice Risk INSIGHT review by The Doctors Company.
National Trends and Key Takeaways from the 2024 Election
Our Government Relations Advocacy Updates summarize legislative and judicial actions that impact medical liability and the practice of medicine. The latest issue highlights the results of the 2024 election and reflects on TDC Group's engagement in the election.
Patient Safety in Dentistry: Documentation
The primary purpose of documentation is to create an orderly chronological record of the clinical decision-making process, treatment provided, and patient responses. Records that are incomplete or inaccurate may lead to inappropriate treatment and patient harm.
Sep 05, 2025
Strong Working Relationships With Patients Protect Healthcare Practitioners
It’s a mistake to value technical expertise at the expense of rapport with the patient. Patient-centered communication weaves a safety net under clinicians if events take an unexpected turn.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
