Will More Continuing PE Help Avoid Medical Malpractice?

Will More Continuing Physician Education Help Avoid Medical Malpractice?

Posted on July 30, 2014 by Shapiro Law Group

A good practice for assessing knowledge is testing. We have all experienced testing, from grade school to job applications that we have filled out, and even continuing education for safety courses that we might have to comply with. This seems to a be a routine step for most of us, but as The Wall Street Journal reports, some doctors are very upset over recent changes to skills reviews and testing requirements that could help to lower the incidents of physician mistakes.

Aside from holding a state medical license, about 75 percent of U.S. doctors are certified by 24 privately run boards. These boards signify that they have mastered their area of specialty in fields such as pathology, gerontology and orthopedics.

Specialty boards require their physicians to pass a rigorous set of exams, generally every ten years, to stay certified.

Doctors have begun taking issue with the fact that in recent years, many of these boards have started requiring doctors to enroll in Maintenance of Certification (MOC) programs in between the exams to show they are still actively learning and improving.

Doctors have been ridiculing the MOC requirements as costly, irrelevant and time-consuming.

However, the pass rate for internists, for example, has dropped from 90 percent five years ago to 65 percent this year. When internists do not pass the test and get a “wake-up call,” they study and the ultimate pass rate goes up to 95 percent, which is a drastic increase.

The American Board of Internal Medicine, the largest specialty board, says that the program takes 5 to 20 hours a year and costs around $2000 over 10 years. That would break down to roughly $200 a year to take the extra step in ensuring patient safety and safeguarding themselves from medical malpractice claims.

While there is no sure way to totally eliminate medical malpractice, this seems a logical and intelligent step in helping to ensure that doctors are treating their patients in a prudent fashion and helping to lessen misdiagnosis and medication errors. Still, it is always important to ask your doctor or physician questions about whatever medical advice that you do not understand or feel unsure about.

Shapiro Law Group – Medical Malpractice Attorneys Serving the Tampa Bay Area

Source: http://online.wsj.com/articles/doctors-upset-over-skill-reviews-1405985224

What Our Clients Say

“My dad lost his fingers on one hand due to malpractice after a successful surgery that did not involve fingers. For months we were told it was because of debris in his blood. It was not. Mr. Shapiro and his associates were relentless in getting the medical records until the "missing" page was sent. Then they had the hard and arduous job of finding a doctor willing to testify. An informative video and audio with the doctor's testimony was presented. Case closed. Because of their due diligence, a satisfactory settlement was reached. Mr. Shapiro's law firm worked hard, were extremely thorough, professional, and kept in constant communication throughout the whole stressful ordeal. Mr. Shapiro still remembers my parents and keeps in touch with my mom, even after 15 years have passed. That alone is impressive.”

Patti A.

“The Shapiro Law Group represented our daughter, family, and reputation in winning our daughters case that was due to a catastrophic injury. We interviewed many lawyers and felt Mr. Shapiro would ultimately do what was best for our family. Being involved in a lawsuit is very difficult, emotional, and exhausting. If it weren’t for the Shapiro Law Group fighting for our daughter and family, I don’t know where we would be now. They are very thorough, knowledgeable, and know what needs to be done. Lawsuits can take a very long time, and we knew that Shapiro Law Group would not give up. They did whatever was necessary to help our daughter. We can’t thank Mr. Shapiro enough for all he has done for so many! During a very difficult situation in our lives, the Shapiro Law Group went above and beyond in guiding our family in helping our daughter. We would highly recommend this firm. Thank you,”

Stephanie P.

“Attorney Richard Shapiro was able to provide me with very knowledgeable and competent legal expertise to resolve my case.”

D. Harrison