The latest stats on malpractice insurance rates

When it comes to medical malpractice insurance premiums, physicians can expect "a very mixed market," according to Medical Liability Monitor (10/04). The publication's 2004 rate survey found a wide range of reported rate changes throughout the country.

Ob/gyns are not immune to this mixed market. For example, ob/gyns in Dade County, Fla., are paying the highest rates in the country, while those in Nebraska are paying the lowest. Ob/gyns in Dade County can expect to pay as much as $277,241 for coverage-up 11.3% from 2003. Those in Nebraska can expect to pay the same premium as they did in 2003, $16,194.

The most dramatic rate change was seen in Maryland, where ob/gyns saw a 132.8% increase in premiums. These physicians can expect to pay $102,587 in 2004-up from $44,063 in 2003.