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Massachusetts emergency medicine closed malpractice claims: 1988-1990
A Karcz1, J Holbrook, M C Burke
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Metrowest Medical Center, Framingham, Massachusetts.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|March 1, 1993
Summary
Malpractice claims against emergency physicians are increasing, with high-risk diagnoses like chest pain and abdominal pain driving costs. Implementing improved record systems and patient evaluation protocols can reduce physician liability.
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Medical Malpractice Law
- Risk Management
Background:
- Malpractice claims against emergency physicians represent a significant financial and professional burden.
- Understanding claim characteristics and causes is crucial for risk mitigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize malpractice claims against emergency physicians.
- To identify the causes and potential preventability of these claims.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of closed malpractice claims against emergency physicians.
- Comparison of claims from 1988-1990 with a previous study period (1980-1987).
Main Results:
- Indemnity and expense per claim increased significantly compared to the previous study period.
- Eight high-risk diagnostic areas accounted for over 50% of claims and 55% of monetary losses.
- Failures in radiograph follow-up systems and evaluation of intoxicated patients contributed to significant losses.
Conclusions:
- Emergency physicians face high risk for missed myocardial infarctions.
- Systemic improvements, including enhanced record generation, radiograph follow-up protocols, and re-evaluation of intoxicated patients, can reduce physician liability.