dc.contributor.author | Nahed, Brian Vala | |
dc.contributor.author | Babu, Maya A. | |
dc.contributor.author | Smith, Timothy R. | |
dc.contributor.author | Heary, Robert F. | |
dc.date.accessioned | 2018-05-18T20:40:03Z | |
dc.date.issued | 2012 | |
dc.identifier.citation | Nahed, Brian V., Maya A. Babu, Timothy R. Smith, and Robert F. Heary. 2012. “Malpractice Liability and Defensive Medicine: A National Survey of Neurosurgeons.” Edited by Laxmaiah Manchikanti. PLoS ONE 7 (6) (June 22): e39237. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039237. | en_US |
dc.identifier.issn | 1932-6203 | en_US |
dc.identifier.uri | http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37034624 | |
dc.description.abstract | Background: Concern over rising healthcare expenditures has led to increased scrutiny of medical practices. As medical liability and malpractice risk rise to crisis levels, the medical-legal environment has contributed to the practice of defensive medicine as practitioners attempt to mitigate liability risk. High-risk specialties, such as neurosurgery, are particularly affected and neurosurgeons have altered their practices to lessen medical-legal risk. We present the first national survey of American neurosurgeons’ perceptions of malpractice liability and defensive medicine practices. Methods: A validated, 51-question online-survey was sent to 3344 practicing U.S. neurosurgeon members of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, which represents 76% of neurosurgeons in academic and private practices. Results: A total of 1028 surveys were completed (31% response rate) by neurosurgeons representing diverse sub-specialty practices. Respondents engaged in defensive medicine practices by ordering additional imaging studies (72%), laboratory tests (67%), referring patients to consultants (66%), or prescribing medications (40%). Malpractice premiums were considered a “major or extreme” burden by 64% of respondents which resulted in 45% of respondents eliminating high-risk procedures from their practice due to liability concerns. Conclusions: Concerns and perceptions about medical liability lead practitioners to practice defensive medicine. As a result, diagnostic testing, consultations and imaging studies are ordered to satisfy a perceived legal risk, resulting in higher healthcare expenditures. To minimize malpractice risk, some neurosurgeons have eliminated high-risk procedures. Left unchecked, concerns over medical liability will further defensive medicine practices, limit patient access to care, and increase the cost of healthcare delivery in the United States. | en_US |
dc.language.iso | en_US | en_US |
dc.publisher | Public Library of Science (PLoS) | en_US |
dc.relation.isversionof | doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0039237 | en_US |
dash.license | LAA | |
dc.title | Malpractice Liability and Defensive Medicine: A National Survey of Neurosurgeons | en_US |
dc.type | Journal Article | en_US |
dc.description.version | Version of Record | en_US |
dc.relation.journal | PLoS ONE | en_US |
dash.depositing.author | Nahed, Brian Vala | |
dc.date.available | 2018-05-18T20:40:03Z | |
dc.identifier.doi | 10.1371/journal.pone.0039237 | * |
dash.contributor.affiliated | Nahed, Brian | |