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Facial Plast Surg 2002; 18(2): 135-142
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-32204
Copyright © 2002 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc., 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA. Tel.: +1(212) 584-4662

Claims Prevention for the Aesthetic Surgeon: Preparing for the Less-than-Perfect Outcome

Mark Gorney
  • The Doctor's Company, Napa, CA
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Publication History

Publication Date:
13 June 2002 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Many surgeons will find themselves faced with a claim of malpractice. At times this may be due to a less-than-perfect outcome. Well over half of such claims are preventable, as most are based on failures of communication and/or patient selection criteria. Attention to legal principles such as standard of care, warranty and disclosure, knowledge of patient factors, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively will hopefully maximize the possibility of remaining a claims-free surgeon.

KEYWORDS

Claims prevention - malpractice - plastic surgery

REFERENCES

  • 1 Goldwyn R M, Cohen M N. The Undeliverable Result in Plastic Surgery. Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins; 2001;0:38
  • 2 Gorney M, Martello J. Patient selection criteria.  Clin Plast Surg . 1999;  26 37-40
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