A recent Medscape survey looked at the state of anesthesiologists' exposure to malpractice lawsuits, as reported by Anesthesia Business Consultants.
Here are six things to know:
1. The report surveyed 4,000 physicians.
2. The responding anesthesiologists reported that trial resulted in a verdict for the plaintiff in only 2 percent of cases. Another 33 percent were dismissed either by the court of by the plaintiff. Twenty-four percent were dismissed from the suit either before any depositions were taken or within the first few months. Forty-one percent settled before reaching the verdict stage, and 10 percent resulted in a verdict in the anesthesiologist's favor.
3. Among the respondents to the survey, 62 percent of men and 42 percent of women had been sued, usually with other co-defendants. One-hundred percent of respondents aged 70 and older had been named in at least one lawsuit.
4. Anesthesiologists are more likely to be sued in the West (Calif., Hawaii, Ark.) and the Southeast (S.C., Ga., Fla., Ala., Miss., Tenn., Ky.) and least likely in the Southwest (Ariz., Utah, Colo., N.M., Nev.).
5. Thirty-seven percent of anesthesiologists spent more than 40 hours preparing for trial, and 36 percent spent more than 50 hours in court. Fifty-nine percent of cases lasted zero to two years, but 41 percent lasted three years or more.
6. The harm most commonly alleged was "patient suffered an abnormal injury" at 47 percent, ranging from loss of life to dental damage. Failure to diagnose was second, at 9 percent. Errors in medication administration and "poor documentation of patient instruction and education" tied at 4 percent.