Page 11 - Part 1 Anesthesiology Common Risk Issues

SVMIC Anesthesiology: Common Risk Issues

Similarly, more comprehensive checklists and uniform

standards as set forth by the ASA and other organizations, as
well as statutory requirements for accreditation for monitored

anesthesia care (MAC) outpatient and office-based surgeries,
have also contributed to the decline in negative outcomes.

Very rarely does the anesthetic agent itself directly cause injury.

In fact, a patient’s risk of complications is more closely related to
the type of procedure the patient is undergoing and the patient’s

general physical health, rather than to the type of anesthesia the
patient is being administered. Older adults, those with serious

medical problems, and those undergoing lengthy procedures
are most at risk of experiencing negative outcomes.

Despite the tremendous strides that have been made to improve
patient safety and reduce anesthesia-related deaths, the stigma

remains in the minds of many patients and jurors alike that
anesthesia is something that carries significantly greater risk

than other areas of medicine. The fears of not waking up and of
surrendering control while unconscious during surgery weigh

heavily on their minds; and this fear can create distrust of and
bias against those who administer anesthesia. Plaintiff attorneys

are aware that this fear and bias exist which, combined with the
prospect of a more significant injury (and, thus, a more lucrative

payday), make anesthesia malpractice cases particularly
attractive to pursue.

According to the Medical Professional Liability Association

(formerly PIAA), the total closed claims by healthcare
specialty (2006-2015) placed Anesthesiology at number seven.

The following data shows that, nationally, a total of 3,716
anesthesiology claims were closed between 2006 and 2015. Of

these, 987 resulted in indemnity payments which totaled more

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