Medicolegal Issues in Pediatrics

Medical liability continues to be a fact of life for pediatricians. One third of pediatricians will be sued for medical liability over the course of their careers. Pediatricians need to be aware of this fact and take steps to reduce the likelihood of being sued. Medicolegal Issues in Pediatrics, offers a wide range of medicolegal topics that affect the practice of pediatrics from residency through retirement. It provides pediatricians with detailed information on common pediatric malpractice claims and specific risk management strategies to reduce the threat of being sued and make it easier to defend a claim. In addition, it explains in simple language the anatomy of a malpractice lawsuit, guidance for coping with malpractice litigation stress, and the basics of professional liability insurance for pediatricians. Resources for managing the specific risks of newborn care, adolescent care, and pediatric emergency medicine are included. New to this edition are chapters on the medicolegal risks associated with the reporting of child abuse and neglect, health care fraud and abuse, and an expanded chapter on patient safety. Other highlights include: ¨ Telephone and on-call care ¨ Legal issues relating to email, Web sites, and telemedicine ¨ Documentation of pediatric care ¨ Liability for vaccine administration ¨ Testifying as an expert witness ¨ Volunteer activities