Reducing Risk of a Pathology Malpractice Claim

Program Description

Pathologists examine a wide variety of tissues, biopsies, surgical resections, cytology specimens, and body fluids in order to determine a precise and accurate diagnosis that is central to patient treatments and outcomes. By recognizing the risks associated with this specialty, a pathologist can bring about changes that result in faster, higher-quality, and safer results. This course requires reading seven pathology-related articles published by The Doctors Company and answering a series of questions.  

Objectives

After completing this activity, learners will be able to:

  • Recognize when it is appropriate to add comments to a pathology report to encourage re-excision of a partial biopsy.
  • Identify how false-negative breast FNAs are responsible for the majority of claims by women with a palpable breast mass.   
  • Discuss the responsibility to maintain pathology specimens in a safe and secure environment.  
  • Differentiate between medical and legal motivations underlying requests for a pathology specimen.  
  • Review for compliance five measures from the Clinical Pathology/Laboratory Department Assessment that can improve the quality of care.
  • Apply two strategies that can reduce the risk of diagnostic error. 

Disclosure

No individual in a position to control or influence the content of this activity has reported relevant financial relationships with commercial interests. No commercial support was provided for this activity.

Course Developers

Michelle Swift, BSN, JD, RN, CPHRM, Patient Safety Risk Manager II, Department of Patient Safety and Risk Management, The Doctors Company

Julie Hopkins, MA, MBA, Director, Continuing Medical Education, Patient Safety and Risk Management Department, The Doctors Company

Continuing Education Credit

The Doctors Company is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education activities for physicians.

The Doctors Company designates this enduring material activity for a maximum of 2.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The Doctors Company estimates two hours for completion of this course. A passing score of 80 percent or greater is required to successfully complete the activity and earn AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™.

Course ID#: TDE 17022.0
Issue Date for This Activity: 05-18-2017
Expiration Date for This Activity: 05-30-2018

Disclaimer

The information and guidelines contained in this enduring material activity are generalized and may not apply to all practice situations. The faculty recommends that legal advice be obtained from a qualified attorney for specific application to your practice. The information is intended for educational purposes only.

Complies with State Requirements

Please click HERE to see the Federation of State Medical Boards overview of Continuing Medical Education requirements by State. 

Technical Requirements

This activity is best experienced using the most current browser (or one back) of Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Microsoft Edge.  For all activities featuring audio you must have a sound card and speakers. To view graphic images and references that appear in separate "pop-up" windows, you must have JavaScript and session cookies enabled on your computer.  Adobe Acrobat Reader may be required for certain activities.

Contact Us

If you have questions, contact educationsupport@thedoctors.com or call (800) 421-2368, extension 1243.