RT Book, Section A1 Schaffer, Adam C. A1 Beshara, Nicholas A2 McKean, Sylvia C. A2 Ross, John J. A2 Dressler, Daniel D. A2 Brotman, Daniel J. A2 Ginsberg, Jeffrey S. SR Print(0) ID 56193540 T1 Chapter 36. Medical Malpractice T2 Principles and Practice of Hospital Medicine YR 2012 FD 2012 PB The McGraw-Hill Companies PP New York, NY SN 978-0-07-160389-8 LK accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=56193540 RD 2024/10/04 AB Medical malpractice is a serious concern for many physicians and a topic that often prompts intense debate. In this chapter, we review the elements of medical malpractice, as well as data about the frequency of both negligent medical care and actual claims of medical malpractice. Data that exist about how well the malpractice system does in achieving its purpose of deterring negligent medical care and compensating patients who are harmed by such negligence are reviewed. We also discuss malpractice issues that are of particular concern to hospitalists, and, most crucially, what can be done to try to reduce the risk of being the subject of a medical malpractice claim.