(Reuters Health)—More aggressive malpractice climates don’t necessarily protect patients from surgical complications, a new study suggests. Supporters of medical malpractice laws that make it easier for patients to sue doctors say these protections are necessary to improve care. But in the current study, the risk of litigation didn’t translate into better outcomes, said study leader…
1% of U.S. Doctors Responsible for a Third of Malpractice Payments
(Reuters Health)—Just one out of every 100 U.S. doctors is responsible for 32% of the malpractice claims that result in payments to patients, according to a comprehensive study of 15 years’ worth of cases. And when a doctor has to pay out one claim, the chances are good that the same physician will soon be…
High-Spending Doctors Are Less Likely to Be Sued
NEW YORK (Reuters Health)—Providing more care than necessary may work to lower a doctor’s risk of being accused of malpractice, suggests a new U.S. study. Although the results can’t prove extra expenditures are due to defensive medicine, the researchers found that doctors in Florida who provided the most costly care between 2000 and 2009 were…
Malpractice Lawsuit Fear Provokes Defensive Medicine Response
Minimizing exposure to malpractice litigation has affected how physicians practice medicine
Medical Practice Mergers: Being Bigger Has its Advantages
A merger of medical practices can provide significant and long-term benefits to a rheumatology practice. However, a number of difficult decisions and legal issues must be addressed.
Bring a New Partner Into Your Rheumatology Practice
The professional relationship between partners in a joint medical practice is sometimes compared with a marriage. The partners must work under the same roof, share the same goals, and strive to make the practice as successful as it can be. Here are some tips for adding a new partner to your practice.