#1: Failure to diagnose or a delay in diagnosis. Every patient's complaint must be followed to full diagnosis without delay.

#2: Negligent maternity care. This usually involves the use of oxytocin or a poor handoff to a covering physician.

#3: Negligent fracture or trauma care. Patients with wrist "sprains" and snuffbox tenderness should be assumed to have navicular, or scaphoid, fractures until proven otherwise.

#4: Failure to consult in a timely manner. If you haven't figured out and corrected a patient's problem within three visits, enlist someone to help.

#5: Negligent drug treatment. This is often related to the use of warfarin, perhaps the most dangerous prescription drug in America.

#6: Negligent procedures. The best way to prevent these types of injuries is to be prepared physically, mentally and emotionally for the procedure.

#7: Failure to obtain informed consent. To avoid this risk, document that discussions with patients included expected outcomes, potential risks and reasonable alternatives to the proposed care plan.