Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers Discuss Medical Error Disclosure Program
July 5, 2016The University of Michigan Health System conducted a study that suggests patients are less likely to sue a doctor for medical malpractice if there is open, honest communication between doctor and patient about medical errors. The study analyzed the medical error disclosure program and its effects on gastroenterology-related claims and costs. The results revealed that, by encouraging transparency and quality improvements, there were fewer claims per patient encounter, and a significantly shortened amount of time required to resolve the claims.
Highlights of the Study
In the years following the program’s implementation, professionals found the following results regarding gastroenterology claims:
- While there was a 72 percent rise in clinical activity, the study showed a 58 percent reduction in the rate of claims per patient encounters.
- The total mean liability per claim was reduced by close to 50 percent, from $167,000 to $81,000.
- There was a 64 percent reduction in total cost to the healthcare system of malpractice in the field of gastroenterology
Doctors involved in the study were encouraged to be honest with patients if medical errors occurred, explain how it happened, and what steps were being taken to ensure that similar mistakes would not happen again. In addition, doctors were encouraged to apologize and discuss compensation options for any harm the patient may have experienced.
Unfortunately, even though this and other similar studies show that doctors who communicate more tend to be sued less, few doctors seem to be willing to make the necessary behavior changes. Rather than making changes in their own behavior, some doctors think that policy changes are necessary to reduce the number of medical malpractice lawsuits.
Baltimore Medical Malpractice Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Protect the Rights of Patients Injured by Medical Negligence
If your doctor did not disclose medical information to you or your family, and you were injured as a result, you are urged to contact Baltimore medical malpractice lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton as soon as possible. Our knowledgeable team will aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries, and ensure that your legal rights are protected. To schedule a complementary consultation, call us today at 800- 547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent victims of medical malpractice throughout Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Parkville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.
