Although poor communication is the root cause of medical malpractice claims, in cases of medical error, apologies reduce litigation and benefit patients.
AMA J Ethics. 2017;19(3):289-295. doi:
10.1001/journalofethics.2017.19.3.hlaw1-1703.
ERISA, a piece of federal legislation passed in 1974 to protect pension funds and other retirement benefits, has been the source of much controversy and litigation concerning the liability of insurers in employer health benefit plans who deny coverage or reimbursements for specific medical treatments.
Chris Feudtner, MD, PhD, MPH, David Munson, MD, and Wynne Morrison, MD
The way that we choose how to frame the conversation with parents about halting or continuing such therapy for their children who will not recover has special importance in medicine and in society.
Medical students and residents should be taught about the cost of prescription medication, how these costs affect patient compliance, and how they can help alleviate the financial burden of prescription drugs.
Physicians are held legally responsible if patients are harmed by not receiving the care that is required, even when the restriction of that care is imposed by a third-party payor.