Peer review and risk management.

As physicians and other health-care providers are experiencing an increased number of lawsuits, external pressures also are being exerted by various third-party payers and peer review organizations. An overview of some of the problems that may arise and methods for responding is presented. Knowledge of the processes involved by peer groups will help in risk management concerns as well. A new approach to quality assurance by the federal government is also described, the Health Care Quality Improvement Initiative.