George A. Sprecace M.D.,
J.D., F.A.C.P. and Allergy Associates of New London,
P.C.
www.asthma-drsprecace.com
Medical Malpractice Facts...and
Consequences
Facts:
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70% of MM cases are closed with no payout.
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70% of MM cases that go to trial are won by the M.D. defendant.
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50% of all awards go to the plaintiff and defense attorneys.
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MM insurance premiums are determined mainly by the insurance companies'
returns on their investments, and not on awards paid out.
Consequences:
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The current climate has produced over-cautious M.D.'s, closing of medical
practices, wasted health dollars on defensive medicine, and a bunker mentality
with regard to monitoring their colleagues.
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The current situation discourages sharing of information regarding errors
and what can be learned from them.
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Thus, the current mechanisms provide no deterrant effect...and may actually
do the opposite.
We all need MM reform, but much more than the fig leaf of "caps
on non-economic damages". Other offerings in this section address
this issue.
GS