Malpractice rate hikes forced service reductions in 20 percent of US hospitals, according to the American Hospital Association. Now, doctors are fighting back. They’re walking out of the OR and on to picket lines. Some are even leaving their specialties behind.
Malpractice rates spiked in the mid- 1980’s, and the latest round of hikes is sparking a fresh round of scalpal-pointing. Some lawyers and consumer groups blame insurance companies, while doctors and insurance companies put the blame on out-of-control juries and lawyers.
Guests:
Dr. Troy Brennan, president of the Brigham and Women’s physician’s organization
Dr. Gregory Sarraco, general surgeon Wheeling Hospital in West Virginia
Dr. Tony Balsamo, orthopedic surgeon in Pennsylvania
Leo Boyle, attorney
Julie Ravner, health policy correspondent for NPR
Dear Julie Ravner,
Appreciate your grasp of healthcare globally.
I am an RN that wonders why we don’t hear more about nurses and primary care docs contributions to the new health care conversation.Nurse practitioners are staffing most nursing homes, VA clinics, community clinics and overall nurses work where the “rubber hits the road.” I would like to see a journalist write on the subject. Nurses were just voted for the 7th year in a row as the profession “most trusted”. Thanks.
Karen Pust, RN, BSN
Posted by karen j. pust, on March 3rd, 2009 at 6:40 pm EST