Profession
Survey, study have differing results on Illinois liability crisis
NEWS IN BRIEF — Posted June 13, 2005
A recent survey of physicians by the Illinois State Medical Society paints a picture of an escalating access-to-care problem, while a study conducted by a Duke University law professor found that the state's tort system was not the cause for increases to physicians' liability premiums.
Nearly half of the 1,000 doctors that responded to the ISMS survey reported that they have considered retiring early, have retired already or are moving out of Illinois because of the state's medical liability crisis. About 55% of responding physicians said there is an access-to-care problem in their regions because of liability, and 50% reported having problems recruiting new physicians.
Meanwhile, the study by Duke professor Neil Vidmar found no upward trend in liability claim filings in Cook and DuPage counties, adjusting for population growth, between 1994 and 2004. The study, which was commissioned by the Illinois State Bar Assn., also found no increase in jury trials or in plaintiff win rates between 2001 and 2004.
Note: This item originally appeared at http://www.ama-assn.org/amednews/2005/06/13/prbf0613.htm.
