Malpractice crisis here, too

OB/GYN News, May 15, 2004 by Carrie C. Klett

I brought the March 15, 2004, issue of OB.GYN. NEWS to the physician lounge, where I read with interest the letter by Dr. Thomas Bonekemper that compared liability insurance premiums in Philadelphia to those in Richmond, Va. ("From Crisis to Meltdown," p. 7).

Those of us in the lounge got a great laugh during these times of malpractice distress. Not one of us in that room had a policy anywhere near $14,000. It concerns me that the Medical Liability Monitor has reported that the average malpractice insurance for an ob.gyn. here in Richmond is $14,907. My premiums haven't been that low for 6 years. The real average in our town is somewhere between $30,000 and $45,000.

We are also in a crisis. I would love to know what group is insuring at $14,000 or lower to get an average because I want to sign up. What is most concerning is that this rate survey may be used for legislative or policy purposes to prove that there is not a crisis here and in other cities, which is absolutely incorrect. We need good figures and real information so that this battle can be handled appropriately. Here's hoping we can continue practicing the trade we love without too many more encumbrances than we already have.

Carrie C. Klett, M.D.

Richmond, Va.

Editor's Note:

The Medical Liability Monitor survey included rates from 40 companies that provide medical professional liability insurance. The rates given for general surgeons and ob.gyns. in Philadelphia were based on the highest rates reported; some physicians there paid much less. Similarly, the rates for general surgeons and ob.gyns. in Richmond were based on the lowest rates reported; many Richmond physicians paid much more.