[NPInfo] Edwards statement on malpractice

[Eric Doerfler]

Is there any evidence that such testing actually reduces awards, risk of
suits filed, risks of suits going to trial, or differntial settlements?
e.d.
Oh, and I don't think of litigation all day long. That would really bring me
down, dude. 

-----Original Message-----
From: npinfo-bounces at nurse.net [mailto:npinfo-bounces at nurse.net] On Behalf
Of Jeffrey Hazzard
Sent: Tuesday, September 25, 2007 10:10 PM
To: ACC Listserv; npinfo npinfo; Tony L Moffitt; Judy Wightman
Subject: [NPInfo] Edwards statement on malpractice

Edwards "also pushed back against the notion that medical malpractice
lawsuits were a significant factor in driving up the cost of healthcare,"
adding, the "reality is that the costs associated with legal cases are well
under 1 percent of our healthcare system,"
Congressional Quarterly (9/25,
Horrigan) adds.

 
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
   
      I take great issue with this statement.  The DIRECT costs may be <1%
of the total health care outlay, but the INDIRECT costs (tests done only for
CYA purposes) are incalculable.  I estimated, when I was in primary care,
that I was spending $1500 per day on tests that I thought had a low yield
probability.  Principally, those tests were risk management tests.  This way
of thinking is so "in us" that we order tests without even considering it.
I queried my coworkers closely and found that they, too, were ordering about
the same number of "conservative medicine" diagnostic tests (lab tests,
imaging studies, consultations, etc.).  So, in our multiprovider practice we
were spending $10,000 or more, per day, defensively.  Virtually none of us
make a medical decision without considering the legal implications.  I know
I think of litigation all day long.  I can think of few other businesses are
as tort-conscious as we are.  
      What do all of you think?
   
       Just my perspective,
                Jeff Hazzard, Tampa

       
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