Liability Risk of Missing Esophageal Cancer in Unscreened Patients

In 11 years, only 19 claims were filed against clinicians in the U.S., 4 of which were paid.

During the last two decades, recommendation of endoscopic screening for Barrett esophagus (BE) has become a standard in patients with chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Although more-recent recommendations suggest screening only in patients with additional risk factors, survey findings suggest that gastroenterologists are concerned about the litigation risk associated with missing a cancer in an unscreened patient.

This study evaluated the true incidence of liability claims for failure to screen for esophageal cancer. Using the largest medical professional liability claims database in the U.S., researchers identified claims related to esophageal cancer alleging delay in diagnosis. Claims that also had presenting conditions of al…

Reviewing Author

David A. Johnson, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory boardMedscape/WebMD; Pfizer; CRH Medical Corporation; Aries

EquityCRH Medical Corporation

Editorial boardsMedscape Gastroenterology

Leadership positions in professional societiesAmerican College of Gastroenterology Research Institute Board of Directors