Medical Malpractice Premiums and Patient Rights
The myth that medical malpractice lawsuits are responsible for increasing malpractice premiums and health care costs needs to be addressed. Claims of a nationwide crisis are exaggerated. Malpractice insurance premiums represent less that 2 percent of health care costs. Putting malpractice caps on awards threatens patient’s rights to seek compensation when injury occurred from a preventable medical error. Further, punishment of the negligent doctor or institution is a way of preventing future errors. Tort Reform caps puts patients in danger because legal recourse is severely limited. A suggested solution to the rising costs was presented that consists of more emphasis on evidence-based medicine, independent screening, immediate disclosure of errors, and a no-fault system of compensation.
