RISK MANAGEMENT AT HEALTH CENTERS

Course overview

Medical malpractice claims demonstrate the significance of potential problems that can occur in health centers. Medical malpractice claims filed in 2003 cover a broad range of conditions and severity. Examples of some more serious claims included the following allegations: failure to diagnose asthma, improper prescription of diabetes medication, failure to treat elevated blood pressure, and failure to diagnose and treat congestive heart failure and myocardial infarction. In addition, there were claims related to obstetric care, which included the following allegations: failure to remove gauze during delivery; negligent prenatal care, labor, and delivery; and failure to diagnose and treat an ectopic pregnancy. Although these claims have not yet been finally resolved or determined to have merit, they illustrate the nature of some of the more serious potential problems.