An online database created by a radiologist that tracks malpractice patients, their attorneys, and expert witnesses has shut down just days after receiving national attention.
The Web site, http://doctorsknow.us, came under fire by several advocacy groups and plaintiffs' attorneys who complained the site's intention was to blacklist patients for suing doctors.
The New York Times and the Wall Street Journal each published articles about the site on March 5. The reports detailed medical access problems of a few patients whose names had appeared on the site. The Internet site ceased operations on March 9.
"The controversy this site has ignited was unanticipated and has polarized opinions regarding the medical malpractice crisis," said a one-paragraph elegy on the site.
The online database started by Texas radiologist Dr. John S. Jones charged $4.95 a month for members to "assess the risk of offering services to clients or potential clients." The site boasted 50 members. Jones did not immediately return phone calls.
Dr. Bohn Allen, president-elect of the Texas Medical Association, said that the association is happy the doctors chose to take down the Web site rather than continue to polarize patients over this issue.
"The way to approach this is through a public forum, rather than individually select out patients or attorneys that may be abusing the system," Allen said.
The online database did not violate any ethical guidelines set forth by the Texas Medical Association, according to Allen. The only violation would have occurred if physicians had refused to see patients in emergencies.
"Even the Hippocratic Oath doesn't require you to see every patient that comes to your doorstep," he said.
Allen suggested that physician access to prior malpractice information might even improve the patient-physician relationship.
"It clears the air, opens up the dialogue, and prevents misunderstandings in the future," he said.
But Allen admitted that some of the Web site's wording indicated it could be used to blacklist patients, such as the slogan: They can sue, but they can't hide.
"I think it just represents the culmination of the frustration of doctors with frivolous and nonmeritorious lawsuits," he said.
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