The participants represented both general pediatrics and pediatric specialties. Each survey form recorded answers to open-ended questions pertaining to one of 46 specific diseases. Questions for each disease were answered by one or two physicians, who are asked about the disease factors, family factors, and other factors that would indicate medical neglect. Death was one of the 52 potential consequences of neglect listed for seven of the 46 diseases analyzed. The time allotted before neglect would be considered varied with the stage and serious of the disease. Caretakers were less likely to be considered neglectful if the symptoms of the disease were minor, not obvious or required technical sophistication for recognition. The number of acceptable reasons for missing appointments varied. The natural course of the disease process, the effectiveness and safety of treatment, the parents' religion, the parents' intellectual level, and the family economic situation affected the propensity to report neglect. Findings indicated that definitions of medical neglect for common diseases must be standardized. In addition, the training of lay caretakers of ill children and the communication of clear and reasonable expectations are necessary to help prevent medical neglect. Table and 23 references