Are Gastroenterologists at Increased Risk for Malpractice Claims?

Many gastroenterologists feel that they are at increased risk for malpractice litigation because they perform invasive procedures. However, few data have been published about the risk for malpractice claims in this specialty compared with others.

To address this gap, investigators analyzed gastroenterology claims submitted by insurance companies to the Physician Insurers Association of America from 1985 through 2005. Data from the American Medical Association were used to estimate the number of physicians in each specialty. Using this data, investigators then calculated an adjusted claim rate for 20 specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and plastic surgery.

Gastroenterology ranked 11th among the 20 specialties evaluated, …