Which of the following is a common reason for filing a malpractice lawsuit?

Filing a malpractice lawsuit often stems from the perception that a healthcare provider has not met the standard of care expected in their profession, leading to harm or injury to the patient. A significant reason for this can be the failure to diagnose a condition properly. When a physician assistant (or any healthcare provider) fails to recognize or diagnose a patient's illness, this can lead to delayed treatment, worsening of the patient's condition, or even death. Such situations create a clear basis for legal action, as the failure to diagnose is seen as a breach of the duty of care owed to the patient.

In contrast, the other reasons listed, while potentially concerning for a practice, do not directly contribute to the legal liability associated with medical malpractice as clearly as a failure to diagnose. Lack of marketing may affect patient volume but does not impact patient safety. Failure to prescribe medication can lead to liability, but it is more context-dependent; if the medication in question was not necessary or indicated, this may not constitute malpractice. Poor patient satisfaction could reflect on a provider’s interpersonal skills or practice management but generally does not equate to malpractice unless it ties directly to harms resulting from substandard medical care.