More than 4300 physicians in 29 specialties responded to a new Medscape Malpractice Report 2019. Responses show that specialists were sued more often than those in primary care (62% vs 52%).

Most physicians (59%) who responded to the Medscape survey said they have at some point been named in a malpractice suit, either individually or with others.

Of those physicians, 14% said they were the only party named in the suit. In 2013, 9% said they were the only ones named.

Upon comparison it was seen that, nationally a 2016 benchmarking study by the American Medical Association found that for every 100 physicians, 68 liability claims were filed.

As Medscape Medical News has reported, a national assessment found that apology laws, which have been passed in many states, dont reduce litigation or lower payouts.

(Excerpts from  Medscape)

Dr KK Aggarwal

Padma Shri Awardee

President Confederation of Medical Associations in Asia and Oceania (CMAAO)

Group Editor-in-Chief IJCP Publications

President Heart Care Foundation of India

Past National President IMA