Quote:
Originally posted by ulfie@Mar 30 2003, 07:03 PM
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We have a pretty big crisis where I live regarding malpractice insurance. Doctors are leaving the state or moving to lower risk positions because of it. My mother's neuroseurgeon, who is one of the best in the world, told me he pays almost $500,000/year in malpractice insurance and he's never had a claim filed against him in 30 years. The reason I bring this up is because I was asking him about what he thought about all the advertising drug companies were doing. He told me that he felt that was the primary reason so many drugs were being prescribed needlessly. He said a patient sees some drug on tv or in a magazine ad and is convinced that is what they need. The doctor, even if they don't think that is what they need, will prescribe it anyway because they are so afraid of malpractice claims. It was really eye opening talking to him. We have entire counties here now that don't have pediatricians, heart surgeons, etc. because they can't afford malpractice insurance. To his credit, our new governor says he's going to propose some new legislation but since he's a lawyer I doubt he's going to hurt his own. I really can't wait to get out of this state sometimes. Did I mention it's SNOWING here today as well. :grrr:
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HOWEVER COMMA
The more articles I read about the malpractice insurance going up, the more it looks like the insurance companies are doing it more to recoup their losses post 9/11 than actual damages being awarded in malpractice cases :angry: Your Mom's neurosurgeon is a perfect example, since he's never had a claim filed against him but his rates keep going up. I'm not saying that they aren't over prescribing in order to protect themselves, just wondering out loud if it's going to really do any actual good.
BTW, the rural areas here are in such crisis that many of the doctors and hospitals are dropping their malpractice insurance completely and making patients sign papers agreeing not to sue them. It's the only way they can keep the doors open.
And it's snowing here, too! Just a few flakes, but I'm happy!
)