title: Medicolegal issues.
abstract: Malpractice claims for failure to diagnose breast cancer are on the increase. Obstetrician-gynecologists are frequently targeted as defendants in these claims. A significant increase in the frequency and severity of these claims can be predicted by virtue of the widespread incidence and severity of the disease, coupled with changes in tort law. Physicians can learn risk management and loss prevention techniques by studying claims data and actual medical malpractice cases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Professional Liability, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, Washington, DC, USA.
authors.forename: K V
authors.initials: KV
authors.lastname: Heland
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rutledge
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000570:American Cancer Society; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003951:Diagnostic Errors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007883:Legislation, Medical; D008318:Malpractice / Q000331:legislation & jurisprudence* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008327:Mammography; D008487:Medical History Taking; D008495:Medical Oncology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010808:Physical Examination; D014481:United States