Risk Management in Obstetrics and Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine

The professional liability crisis remains a common problem for obstetricians. Approximately 90% of American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists fellows have been sued at least once and 25% have been sued four or more times. Approximately 15% of obstetricians have ceased obstetric practice because of exorbitant premiums and the prevalence of nonmeritorious claims in this field of practice. The average age at which an obstetrician/gynecologist stops providing obstetrical care is currently 48 years of age; the age at which most physicians approach the peak of judgment and experience.