Learning from Experience: Real World Examples of Malpractice Claims for Physician Assistants

As the healthcare landscape evolves, so does the scope of practice for Physician Assistants/Physician Associates, and with it comes increased responsibility. Gone are the days when PAs were seldom sued; today, PAs find themselves facing the potential of malpractice claims. In this blog post, we’ll delve into two real-life cases involving PAs, explore the concept of malpractice, and understand what solutions are available to PAs and other healthcare providers.

Real World Malpractice Cases

 

Case Study 1: Missed Diagnosis Leading to Death – Stevens-Johnson Syndrome

Background: In this case, a 76-year-old female patient presented to a dermatology practice with an unexplained rash. She sought medical attention due to the worsening of her condition, which tragically led to her death.

Medical Team: The medical team responsible for her care included a Physician Assistant (PA) and a supervising physician.

Timeline:

1. The patient initially sought medical attention for her rash, which was examined by the PA.
2. Despite initial treatment, her condition continued to deteriorate.
3. Legal Proceedings: The patient’s family filed a malpractice lawsuit against both the PA and the supervising physician for failing to diagnose her promptly with Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Outcome:

1. After years of legal proceedings, the PA was eventually dropped from the case.
2. The case underscored the importance of diligent care and meticulous documentation.
3. Shared responsibilities between PAs and supervising physicians were emphasized to ensure accurate diagnoses and comprehensive patient care.

 

Case Study 2: Failure to Detect Tendon Damage

Background: In this case, a 51-year-old male patient sustained a foot laceration and sought medical attention from an emergency department physician and a Physician Assistant (PA). The undetected tendon damage in this case had severe consequences.

Medical Team: The medical team responsible for this patient’s care included an emergency department physician and a PA.

Timeline:

1. The patient sustained a foot laceration and received initial treatment from the emergency department physician and the PA.
2. Despite follow-up care, tendon damage went undetected.
3. Legal Proceedings: The patient filed a malpractice lawsuit against the PA for missing the diagnosis of tendon lacerations.

Outcome:

1. The PA was ultimately removed from the case, highlighting the significance of thorough examination and communication between healthcare professionals.
2. Effective communication between PAs and physicians in scenarios requiring collaboration was emphasized to ensure accurate diagnoses and comprehensive patient care.

These case studies illustrate the real-world complexities and challenges faced by Physician Assistants in malpractice claims, emphasizing the importance of accurate diagnoses, communication, comprehensive patient care, and career/license protection.

The Importance of Liability Insurance

These real-life examples underscore the critical need for liability insurance. As a PA, you are personally liable for your actions and must protect yourself from potential financial devastation. Occurrence-based insurance is generally recommended as it covers claims arising from incidents during the policy period, regardless of when the claim is filed. Claims-made insurance only covers incidents reported during the policy period and requires tail coverage if you leave the policy.

Tail Coverage and Asset Protection:

For PAs transitioning between positions or leaving clinical practice, understanding the need for tail coverage is essential. Tail coverage extends protection beyond your active policy, ensuring you’re covered even after you leave a practice. In addition, consulting with legal and financial experts about asset protection strategies, such as forming an LLC for personal property, can provide an additional layer of security.

Considerations When Choosing Insurance:

When deciding on insurance, assess whether your employer provides adequate coverage and if it includes malpractice and license defense. Personal liability policies are a smart investment to cover yourself and your assets, providing you with an attorney if you face a lawsuit.

 

Mitigating Malpractice Risks

While malpractice risks are inherent in the medical field, there are several proactive measures PAs can take to minimize their exposure:

• Continuing Education: Stay current with medical advancements and best practices through ongoing education and training.
• Thorough Documentation: Maintain meticulous and accurate patient records to support the care you provided and decisions you made.
• Effective Communication: Foster open communication with patients, colleagues, and supervisors to ensure a comprehensive understanding of each patient’s condition.
• Adherence to Protocols: Always adhere to established protocols, guidelines, and best practices in diagnosing and treating patients.
• Supervision and Consultation: Seek guidance from supervising physicians when faced with complex cases or uncertainty.
• Patient Education: Empower patients to make informed decisions by explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and potential risks.
• Liability Insurance: Consider carrying your own liability insurance, even if your practice or hospital provides coverage, to protect your interests and provide a dedicated attorney.

 

Conclusion

As you navigate your role as a Physician Assistant, you must acknowledge the reality of malpractice claims. Understanding the scope of your liability and obtaining the right insurance coverage are essential steps in safeguarding our professional careers. Staying vigilant in providing quality care and adhering to best practices will further minimize the risk of malpractice claims. As we continue to learn from these real-world examples and work towards maintaining the highest standards of care in your profession, stay safe and committed to delivering exceptional healthcare!