medical malpractice and pathology

[kaw]

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I was just reading the Times magazine articles about Malpractice. I was wondering how pathology rates among the other specialities in malpractice. I guess it mostly comes from anatomic, but I would love feedback on it all. Also, what is the rang of malpractice rates across the country? Basically, what it all boils down to is whether malpractice is a deterrent in pathology like it is in other fields.

Thanks

 

[Global Disrobal]

It depends on your specialty and job setting. In academia its often covered by the hospital. In other setting (private practice) it counts as your overhead cost and is not out of pocket but must be covered in your revenues to ensure your salary.

 

[kaw]

Thanks for your response. Is malpractice as big an issue with pathology as it is with some other fields or is it less common? What areas of pathology are at most risk? I ask because a pathologist has the final say in very important matters and with such a large amount of information to master, how often are major mistakes made? I would hate to feel pressured on every decision I made.

 

[Global Disrobal]

How many mistakes are made? Thats a question for someone like Great Pumpkin as he is in the field already.

Realize that mistakes will be made in every field that you go into, that is just part of the learning process. Pathologist can often remedy this viw consults and daily/weekly group conferences where they'll show their difficult/borderline cases.

Each area of path has its difficult dx but some that come to mind are Breast (noticing a focus of DCIS in a small core), Soft Tissue (Liposarcs, etc.)

Don't base your career choice on a field that mistakes are avoidable, rather on what you like!

Best of Luck

 

[DermpathDO]

Currently pathology does not have as high a malpractice issue as specialties such as surgery or Ob/Gyn. However, malpracitce awards in certain subspecialties are dramatically increasing, and your malpractice premium payouts will be increasing over the next few years. Those subspecialties in Pathology which have the higher rate of malpractice suits and higher payouts on awards are hematopathology for lymphomas, dermatopathology for melanomas, and cytopathology for paps and other aspiration diagnoses. Breast and prostate will soon be entering the line up. Just because you have cases seen in conference at the end of the day or week is not going to protect you from a lawsuit, if anything it will drag all of those in the group in, if a mistake is made. You also have to be careful about who you choose to be your experts for second opinions.
Don't worry too much, however.....reasonable prudence and being careful will help you avoid most lawsuits.