A recent study revealed that about 10 percent of physicians surveyed are not always honest with their patients. The article, published in the journal Health Affairs, questioned almost 1,900 physicians from different practice areas to detail what information they thought they needed to disclose to patients.

Medical Malpractice Lawyers: Doctors Don’t Always Disclose Medical Errors to Patients

Doctors were most likely to lie to patients about whether they committed any significant medical errors and whether they have a financial relationship with a drug or device company. According to the results of the survey, nearly one third of the physicians admitted that they didn’t agree with being honest with patients about serious medical errors. About 40 percent said they didn’t think it was necessary to tell patients about relationships or financial ties they have to drug or device companies.  Approximately 20 percent of the doctors surveyed said they didn’t think they always had to be entirely truthful with patients.  More than half of the doctors also said they did discuss all the risks or benefits of specific medical procedures with patients.

Doctors reported not wanting to disclose medical errors, especially if their mistakes didn’t cause any significant harm to patients, but the article’s authors suggested “informing patients fully about medical errors can reduce anger and lessen patients’ interest in bringing malpractice lawsuits.”

Medical Malpractice Lawyers in Philadelphia and New Jersey

The Philadelphia medical malpractice lawyers at Messa & Associates are experienced at handling cases involving medical malpractice cases resulting from cardiac errors, including misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose a heart disease. Our extremely skilled team of medical malpractice lawyers and medical experts are dedicated to ensuring you receive proper compensation for your personal injuries. If you or a loved one has suffered personal injuries as a result of a medical error, misdiagnosis or failure to diagnose or negligent care received by a medical provider, contact the medical malpractice lawyers of Messa & Associates for a free consultation. Call toll free at 1-877-MessaLaw, or submit a free online inquiry.

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