Profession
Illinois doctors face rising premiums
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted April 5, 2004
The more-than 14,000 Illinois physicians insured through ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company can expect an average 7.4% increase in their base rates this year. That's a small bump compared with the 35.2% increase last year, but company executives say the medical liability crisis is far from over.
"Despite the relatively positive news on rates for the coming year, the liability climate in Illinois remains very hostile for doctors," ISMIE Chair Harold L. Jensen, MD, said in a statement. He noted that Iowa physicians insured by the company pay 200% to 400% less than their Illinois counterparts. "That's because Iowa enjoys a more sensible litigation climate."
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2004/04/05/prbf0405.htm.