Because of concerns about malpractice liability, I view every patient as a potential malpractice lawsuit.” Limited AutonomyThe malpractice crisis may also be affecting physicians’ satisfaction by eroding their sense of control. Survey reports indicated that the liability environment impedes specialists’ perceived ability to deliver needed services in the way they would like. Ninety-one percent of specialists surveyed said that the malpractice system limits doctors’ ability to provide the highest-quality medical care.
Back on CareMany specialists surveyed reported that their practice or hospital was taking steps to reduce overhead costs, and nearly two-thirds reported that their practice or hospital would likely reduce the number of clinical staff over the next two years because of liability costs. Nearly three-fourths indicated that their practice or hospital would likely reduce the number of administrative staff, and a similar percentage reported that their practice or hospital would cancel or delay capital improvements because of liability costs.
UTLOOKAccording to the report, rising liability expenses in a severe malpractice crisis impose costs on patients. Some costs are economicstate governments may divert tax dollars toward subsidies for malpractice insurance premiums, and health insurance costs may increase if provider reimbursement is raised in response to increased overhead. But other costs come in the form of lower quality and availability of health services. As the human face of such changes, physicians’ behaviorparticularly their anxieties and discontentshould become a critical policy focus, the report recommends.
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