A:In a malpractice case, the jury is instructed that negligence means the failure to use that degree of skill and learning ordinarily used under the same or similar circumstances by members of the defendant’s profession. This degree of skill and learning is called the “standard of care.” The standard of care is generally proven through the testimony of expert witnesses who establish the applicable standard and explain how the healthcare provider deviated from that standard. For example, the standard of care generally requires a physician to take an adequate medical history, perform an examination, order necessary laboratory tests, properly interpret the results, and evaluate the data in order to form a “differential diagnosis,” or list of possible explanations for the patient’s presentation. A physician should also disclose significant risks and obtain informed consent from patients, give treatment only for proper medical reasons, prescribe correct medications, provide proper follow-up, obtain appropriate consultations, and provide patients with current therapy or treatment options.