Malpractice caps lure doctors

Doctors are moving to states with malpractice caps in place, a new study published today in the journal Health Affairs finds. The research was conducted by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The study found that states with caps in place are attracting more physicians by a marginal amount, around 3 percent. Supporters of malpractice reform said the study highlights an inequity in the American healthcare system which often impedes patient access to quality care.

"An obstetrician in Los Angeles, where reforms are in place, pays about $63,000 a year for insurance," said Donald Palmisano, former president of the American Medical Association. "That same obstetrician in Miami, with no reforms, pays $277,000 or more."

- see this story from The Washington Post

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