Archive for November 19th, 2009

Doctors and lawyers are disputing the true costs of defensive medicine, while surgeons oppose provisions being considered by the Senate for health reform.

The Seattle Times reports that “defensive medicine” is under scrutiny as part of the congressional consideration of health care reform. “Doctors say the hidden costs of the tests along with malpractice insurance and lawsuit awards are major drivers behind the soaring cost of care. Trial attorneys say bad medicine, not lawsuits, is to blame.” Democrats generally have taken the lawyers’ side while Republicans have pushed for malpractice reform.

The feud “has made it tough to put an accurate price tag on the cost of the issues. … Doctors say the price of defensive medicine and malpractice insurance accounts for up to 10 percent of health care spending. Lawyers say malpractice settlement costs amount to less than 0.5 percent of the $2.5 trillion spent each year on health care. The cost of annual malpractice premiums can vary wildly depending on specialty, geographic location and insurance carrier” (LeBlanc, 11/4).

Read this PR in its entirety here.

If you have been a victim of medical negligence in Washington, you should act quick on filing a claim. Our Washington medical malpractice attorneys are available anytime for a free initial consultation to discuss the uniqueness of your case.