Sunday, November 28, 2004
Doctor: Illinois Would Do Well To Follow Wisconsin's Example
"Wisconsin has drawn six obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) from LGH. These doctors have reportedly fled Illinois to practice medicine under cheaper insurance premiums. In Wisconsin, Ob-Gyns pay $23,677 in yearly medical liability premiums, while the same doctor in Cook County pays $230,428 annually. . .
Because Illinois has eliminated punitive damages from medical malpractice suits, many doctors in Illinois, including Narasimhan, believe excessive, non-economic damage awards are a jury's way of dolling out punishment to a physician.
In Wisconsin's case, it has joined 21 other states in placing a cap on non-economic damages. Juries cannot award a plaintiff more than $410,000 for pain and suffering, a number adjusted for inflation. The American Medical Association (AMA), like Narasimhan, is a strong supporter of such caps. Citing a Stanford University study, the AMA said that caps 'reduced the likelihood that a physician will be sued by 2.1%. Within three years, premiums in direct reform states declined by 8.4%.'"
"Wisconsin has drawn six obstetrician-gynecologists (Ob-Gyns) from LGH. These doctors have reportedly fled Illinois to practice medicine under cheaper insurance premiums. In Wisconsin, Ob-Gyns pay $23,677 in yearly medical liability premiums, while the same doctor in Cook County pays $230,428 annually. . .
Because Illinois has eliminated punitive damages from medical malpractice suits, many doctors in Illinois, including Narasimhan, believe excessive, non-economic damage awards are a jury's way of dolling out punishment to a physician.
In Wisconsin's case, it has joined 21 other states in placing a cap on non-economic damages. Juries cannot award a plaintiff more than $410,000 for pain and suffering, a number adjusted for inflation. The American Medical Association (AMA), like Narasimhan, is a strong supporter of such caps. Citing a Stanford University study, the AMA said that caps 'reduced the likelihood that a physician will be sued by 2.1%. Within three years, premiums in direct reform states declined by 8.4%.'"
Posted by Kevin |
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Comments:
It's just hilarious the way the lawyers blame just about everyone except themselves for the crisis, then try to say that there really is no crisis. It's the insurance companies' fault, it's the insurance board's fault. It's never their fault; they are on the side of the little guy. I guess the insurance companies are getting out of the medmal business because they made so much money off the doctors that they felt guilty and didn't want to make any more! Lawyer Lavin claims that premiums are leveling off-- yeah, at $230K! The lawyers should be made to deliver their own kids!
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