Number 408 , June 2008
(Reaffirmed 2012, Replaces No. 288, October 2003)
Committee on Gynecologic Practice
Committee on Obstetric Practice
Committee on Professional Liability
PDF FormatProfessional Liability and Gynecology-Only Practice
ABSTRACT: Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists may choose to limit the scope of their practices to gynecology. The College considers early pregnancy care (often up to 12–14 weeks of gestation) to be within the scope of gynecology and gynecologic practice. Liability insurers who provide coverage for "gynecology-only" practices should provide coverage for clinical practice activities that involve the management of early pregnancy and its complications.
Fellows of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists may choose to limit the scope of their practices to gynecology and, accordingly, may choose not to request professional liability coverage for obstetrics. However, the College considers early pregnancy care (often up to 12–14 weeks of gestation) to be within the scope of gynecology and gynecologic practice. Management of conditions such as ectopic pregnancy as well as spontaneous and elective abortion, including early midtrimester abortion, may be properly undertaken in such practices. Liability insurers who provide coverage for "gynecology-only" practices should provide coverage for clinical practice activities that involve the management of early pregnancy and its complications.
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Professional Liability and Gynecology-Only Practice. ACOG Committee Opinion No. 408. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Obstet Gynecol 2008;111:1491.