Physician Peer Review is on the Rise. Here’s Why.

The physician peer review process is a way of evaluating a medical professional’s performance on the job. A peer review may be carried out for a number of reasons, many of which are on the rise. Learn more below about the cause of the rising rate of physician peer reviews, and speak with a seasoned medical expert and peer review provider for assistance with physician peer review nationwide.

Why are physician peer reviews becoming more common?

1. More physicians are defending against malpractice claims: Physician peer reviews can be a helpful tool in defending against claims of medical malpractice. By enlisting the help of an outside expert to carefully review the physician’s treatment decisions in a particular case, the resulting report can provide a defending doctor with persuasive evidence of their competence and care.
2. Competitors suggest peer reviews when they question another specialist’s practices: Competition between members of a particular specialty can become cutthroat in a crowded field. In some cases, physicians are using the peer review process as a way of interfering with or casting doubt on a competitor’s booming practice.
3. Hospitals are requiring regular peer reviews of physicians: Hospitals that grant admitting privileges to outside practitioners understand that providing these rights may come with risk, should the physician commit a serious error while treating a patient at their facility. Many hospitals try to limit this risk by making regular peer reviews a requirement for any physician with admitting privileges. Similarly, some hospitals now include semi-annual peer reviews in their employment contracts with newly hired physicians.
4. Peer reviews are being used to improve a physician’s skills and efficiency: Any medical professional understands the constant push to reduce the costs associated with medical care. Hospitals and medical groups facing rising costs are now making use of peer reviews as a cost-saving measure. Peer reviews can help medical facilities undertand if a doctor on their staff is a liability as a potential target of a malpractice claim. They can also help facilities determine whether a physician is failing to make use of less expensive or less invasive treatment options before ordering surgery or other costly or experimental options.

To discuss how a neurosurgical expert can help you in your medical malpractice lawsuit or physician peer review, contact Neurosurgery MedLegal Services, LLC at 866-659-8051.