Abstract

In the present socioeconomic climate, physicians may become the target of lawsuits and may find that jury verdicts often far exceed the lifetime earnings of the entire practice group. Excessive malpractice claims and exorbitant insurance premiums have forced many physicians to leave their favorite state and to either change specialty or stop practicing medicine altogether. This fear also leads many physicians to practice “defensive medicine” and to strictly adhere to the “standard of care” and guidelines available. Often, however, standards of care vary and guidelines developed by different organizations offer conflicting recommendations. So, what is the physician to do?