Eytons' Earth: Natural & Alternative Medicine

[silver_lover]

An interesting email from Steve Cochran:
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The myth unravels . . .

In 2004, Missouri reported 24 Obstetric Related Claims Paid by All Providers averaging $618,269, including:
2 claims for Failure to Obtain Informed Consent averaging $1,745,000
2 claims paid for Improper Choice of Delivery Method averaging $848,094
4 claims paid for Delay in Delivery (induction or surgery) averaging $685,569
2 claims paid for Improperly Performed Vaginal Deliveries averaging $445,000
2 claims paid for Improperly Performed Cesarean Deliveries averaging $425,000
1 claim paid for Improperly Managed Labor (not otherwise classified) . . . $300,000
2 claims paid for Delay in Treatment of Fetal Distress averaging $225,000
1 claim paid for Failure to Manage Pregnancy . . . $50,000
8 claims paid for OB Related - Not Otherwise Classified averaging $546,250
There were also 7 Obstetric Related Claims Paid by Hospitals averaging $506,040, including:
2 claims paid for Delay in Delivery (induction or surgery) averaging $1,021,139
1 claim paid for Improperly Performed Vaginal Deliveries . . . $500,000
1 claim paid for Improperly Performed Cesarean Deliveries . . . $350,000
2 claims paid for Delay in Treatment of Fetal Distress averaging $225,000
1 claim paid for OB Related - Not Otherwise Classified . . . $200,000
Naturally, but pointedly in terms of hospitals that refuse to allow TOLAC, no hospitals reported any paid claims for Improper Choice of Delivery Method, although 2 claims were paid for Delay in Treatment of Fetal Distress. However, those 2 claims averaged only $225,000 ($450,000 is equal to the sum of premiums paid by a relatively small handful of OBs). Also, the claims paid for Improperly performed Vaginal vs. Cesarean Deliveries appear tip in favor of Cesarean until we consider that the total number of vaginal deliveries probably exceeds cesareans by a factor of at least 2:1.

The surprising (and gratifying) numbers were for failure to obtain informed consent . . . apparently not as uncommon or problematic as most of us have presumed. That item also supports my criticism that providers, rather than hospitals, should (and ultimately do) bear the responsibility for obtaining the patient's signature on the consent form.

Steve Cochran

Medical malpractice insurers record positive underwriting results for first time in five years
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