CAP Takes Proactive Role in Reducing Injuries That Occur
During Childbirth
May, 2006
LOS ANGELES, Calif., May 22, 2006 -The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc.-Mutual Protection Trust (CAP-MPT), a California provider of medical professional liability coverage, is going on the offensive to reduce injuries that occur during childbirth. While most medical liability carriers focus on defending physicians against malpractice lawsuits, CAP is taking the unusual step of educating its 550 obstetricians throughout California on how to plan for and treat shoulder dystocia, an obstetric emergency in which a baby's shoulder is blocked during delivery.
CAP aims to decrease the number of permanent injuries caused by shoulder dystocia by encouraging its members who are obstetricians to view an interactive CD-ROM training module that has been used in New England with the endorsement of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). CAP is now the exclusive liability carrier to be using the program in California.
Although it is estimated that shoulder dystocia occurs in fewer than four percent of deliveries, it is the focus of an increasing number of medical liability cases. Between 21 percent and 42 percent of shoulder dystocias involve an injury, according to a study reported in the September 2004 issue of OBG Management.
"Our goal is to reduce claims costs, and a very effective way of doing that is by preventing injuries in the first place. That is why we are taking the proactive step of providing this clinical education to our members," said Waldene Drake, vice president of Risk Management and Patient Safety at CAP-MPT.
CAP, which is accredited as a Continuing Medical Education (CME) provider, will grant two hours of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s) (tm) for each obstetrician who passes the examination questions built into the CD-ROM program.
About CAP
Established in 1977, CAP today provides liability protection for the medical practices of more than 9,000 California physicians. Through rigorous underwriting, assertive claims management, and customized risk management programs, CAP is recognized as one of the most successful physician-owned medical liability companies in the U.S. The A.M. Best Co. has awarded the Mutual Protection Trust the rating of A (Excellent).
Based in Los Angeles, CAP also has offices in San Diego, Orange, and Mountain View, California.
Contact: Bill West
CAP
(800) 252-7706
John Knox
Knox Communications
(415) 255-9043
Knoxee@aol.com
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