The Current State of Medical Malpractice in Urology

Urology. 2015 Jul;86(1):2-9. doi: 10.1016/j.urology.2015.03.004. Epub 2015 Apr 16.

Abstract

Medical malpractice can present an unwelcome professional, emotional, and economic burden to the practicing urologist. To date, there is a paucity of data specific to urologic malpractice in the literature. We performed a comprehensive literature search to identify and evaluate recent studies related to urologic malpractice. We also analyzed 6249 closed urologic claims from the largest available specialty-specific data set gathered by Physician Insurers Association of America from 1985 to 2012. The resulting comprehensive review seeks to raise awareness of current trends in the malpractice environment specific to urologic surgery while also helping urologists identify opportunities for risk management and improved patient care.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Competence / legislation & jurisprudence*
  • Humans
  • Malpractice / legislation & jurisprudence
  • Malpractice / statistics & numerical data*
  • United States
  • Urology / legislation & jurisprudence*