Physicians demand a seat at the table during insurance rate hearings

As physicians in some areas continue to face increasing medical malpractice insurance rates, many are speaking up during rate hearings. In several states, physicians are participating in these discussions to protect their practices and effect change, according to American Medical News (10/18/04).

In Connecticut, for example, an ob/gyn joined the heads of the state's trial lawyers association and two other patients groups in sending a letter to the Connecticut Insurance Commissioner, questioning whether a nearly 90% rate hike filed by GE Medical Protective Co. was necessary. The "unique coalition" prompted the commissioner to hire an outside actuary to review the question. Similarly, physicians in Rhode Island are participating in discussions as to whether requested increases from insurers are justified.

To protest continued rate hikes and the lack of tort reform, physicians in Maryland are considering limiting the medical services they provide. AMNews noted that physicians there are no longer taking elective cases, focusing only on emergency cases, or running their daily office operations on a weekend schedule.