As GLP-1 drugs continue reshaping gastroenterology, bariatrics and chronic disease care, physicians face growing legal exposure — and experts say preparation now is the clearest path to protection.
Becker’s reported in April on a risk analysis published by Risk & Insurance identifying three main vectors of liability for GI physicians: compounded and counterfeit GLP-1 products, adverse events tied to delayed gastric emptying during procedures requiring anesthesia and patient selection failures driven by the explosion of online prescribing platforms.
Here are four steps physicians can take to reduce their exposure to GLP-1-related litigation risks, per Risk & Insurance:
1. Document GLP-1 use at every patient encounter. Anne Marie Lyddy, senior risk management consultant at ProAssurance, told Risk & Insurance that because “a lot of people are using [GLP-1s] for cosmetic purposes” it’s important that physicians are extra vigilant regarding the disclosure of GLP-1 use. This might include “screenings that account for contraindications including a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer and eating disorders.” These screenings should be integrated into pre-procedure workflows for consistent monitoring.
2. Follow current fasting guidelines. The Society for Perioperative Assessment and Quality Improvement and the American Society of Anesthesiologists have both issued guidance on extended preoperative fasting periods for GLP-1 patients. Physicians should ensure their protocols reflect the latest standards and document that patients received and acknowledged the instructions.
3. Be cautious with telehealth-only patient relationships. Risk consultants have flagged platforms where physicians never physically see or speak with patients as high-liability environments, especially for prescribing appetite-suppressing medications to patients with eating disorder histories or other contraindications.
4. Know your liability chain. Ms. Lyddy noted that liability in GLP-1 cases can extend to the prescribing physician, the employer, and compounding pharmacies. Physicians practicing in telehealth or high-volume GLP-1 prescribing environments should review their malpractice coverage with the specific risks of this patient population in mind.
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