Newsletters

Gynecology Malpractice in Prescribing Oral Contraceptives

Oral contraceptives, or birth control pills, operate by altering the hormonal structure of the body. For this reason, they have more side effects than other forms of contraception. Therefore, the decision to use birth control pills should only be made after the physician takes a careful history, does a thorough examination, and discusses all possible risks with the patient. Due to the nature of oral contraceptives and the possibly of adverse effects, informed consent is crucial.

Federal Tort Claims Act

Federal Tort Claims Act

Blood Transfusions and Medical Malpractice

Blood Transfusions and Medical Malpractice

Physician Liability for Assisted Suicide

Physician Liability for Assisted Suicide

Failure to Properly Read X-rays

Certain policies adopted by hospitals concerning diagnostic studies made in an emergency room setting may lead to malpractice claims against the institution. Frequently, a treating physician orders an x-ray, a CAT scan, or an MRI for a patient who has presented himself or herself in the emergency room. If the hospital's policy permits the treating physician to read the diagnostic test, the patient may be discharged if the reading is interpreted by the emergency room physician as negative. As a general rule, the x-ray or other test is usually later reviewed by a radiologist. If this radiologist disagrees with the interpretation made by the emergency room physician, the patient should be notified and instructed to return to the hospital. However, what happens if the hospital is unable to locate the discharged patient or if the problem has substantially worsened without treatment? A potential malpractice action.