Act now as medical liability reform gains momentum

AMA Leader Commentary. By Yank D. Coble Jr., MD. Feb. 17, 2003.

AMA LEADER COMMENTARY

A few words about current events in medical practice

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A message to all physicians from AMA President Yank D. Coble Jr., MD.

As physicians, our patients' access to quality medical care and the relationship of trust between us is paramount.

Now, that access -- and that trust -- are in jeopardy.

Excessive jury awards -- delivered by a broken tort system -- have sent liability insurance premiums skyrocketing. The AMA has identified 12 states where the crisis is at its worst. Another 30 are on the brink. In these states, a rapidly growing number of physicians can no longer find -- or afford -- liability insurance.

It's forcing physicians to restrict their practices -- to avoid high-risk, but necessary, medical procedures such as delivering babies or covering emergency departments. Physicians are retiring early or relocating to states with affordable premiums.

The liability crisis is leading others to limit their practices or close up shop because of the stress, or because of the risk to their reputations or their family's future. A physician can be made to feel and look like a criminal during a court proceeding. And it can take years for a suit to snake its way through the system -- some actions have occurred even after the physician plaintiff has died, leaving family to deal with the strain and expense.

It takes a terrible toll in terms of cost and in the loss of the expertise of skilled, experienced physicians who are irreplaceable.

As a profession, we are at war against a form of toxic tort terrorism. In order to turn the tide of battle, physicians have to be informed and involved as never before. And so do our patients.