The medical malpractice crisis: what is the cause? Is there a cure?

Abstract

Medical malpractice liability insurance premiums have been escalating for years and are at an all-time high. Malpractice reform is highly contentious with doctors, insurance companies, and other business interests lobbying to shield themselves from the high cost of lawsuits and multi-million dollar awards, and trial attorneys and patient advocates claiming that suing is the only recourse for people harmed by the healthcare system. Until the courts, lawmakers, and/or insurance companies agree on a solution, however, there are several things a practice and its administration and physicians can do to minimize the occurrence of a malpractice lawsuit. In addition to practicing sound medicine, physicians and their staffs must follow sound business policies and customer service procedures in their practices.