The Issue on Medical Malpractice

The worst thing that could probably happen to one’s medical profession or health care provider is to have a record of medical malpractice or medical negligence. This means that one has failed to exercise the accepted standards of medical practice and caused injury or wrongful death of a person. Health care provider maybe a doctor, hospital or clinic, nurse or other licensed individual or unit that provide medical care or treatment.

We are all dependent to our health care providers for our health care and especially in times of our illnesses or health problems. However, errors anywhere happen just like in any other professions or entities and if this is committed to a person whether by accident or ignorance the good relationship and trust are broken and the reputation of a health care provider is at stake which may also lead to an end of his career or status.

With the growing number of medical malpractice lawsuits every year, the medical malpractice insurance became a must or requirement for professionals as a health care provider. They have to take proper precautions in order to lower risks involved in their profession and protect their livelihood.

The cost of medical malpractice insurance for doctors or those with medical specialties vary based on states or locations. Unfortunately, the rate also rose beginning this decade affecting lots of those in the medical profession. Rate increase was primarily due to the growing size of claims especially in the urban areas.

The high malpractice insurance premiums have reduced the supply of doctors in some fields and also the services. Some chose to leave their profession and settled to a low risk occupation. According to new University Michigan Health System research, the number of doctors entering to medical specialties like obstetrics and gynecology dropped as well as the services they offered. This may therefore impact the supply of such practitioners in the future especially in those states where the insurance rates are so high.

The issue on the rising cost of malpractice insurance has been the focus of many discussions especially among health professionals and this is something that needs careful study and solution. The people are concerned about their safety but we also need our health professionals who will take good care of us and provide quality services.