Profession
Liability reform and better ob-gyn access
■ An occasional snapshot of current facts and trends in medicine.
Quick View. Posted Oct. 6, 2008
Tort reform in Illinois has had some impact in maintaining ob-gyn services, but liability remains a big concern.
| 2004 | 2008 | |
|---|---|---|
| In the past two years have you .... | ||
| Limited or stopped performing VBACs? | 63% | 37% |
| Performed more cesarean sections? | 54% | 34% |
| Limited the number of high-risk patients you see? | 50% | 34% |
| Decreased the scope of medical services offered? | 47% | 28% |
| Performed fewer major gynecological surgeries? | 39% | 30% |
| Added or expanded the scope of medical services? | 21% | 24% |
| In the past two years have you made a change as a result of professional liability concerns? | ||
| Limited or stopped performing VBACs | 58% | 32% |
| Performed more cesarean sections | 48% | 28% |
| Limited the number of high-risk patients you see | 48% | 29% |
| Decreased the scope of medical services offered | 42% | 25% |
| Performed fewer major gynecological surgeries | 28% | 20% |
| Added or expanded the scope of medical services | 10% | 6% |
Since the state's lawmakers enacted medical liability reform in 2005, obstetrician-gynecologists have been less likely to reduce services. But a survey of 2,091 practicing ob-gyns also indicates the medical liability issue has not been laid to rest. Percentages represent physicians who answered "yes" to changes in their services before and after the reform.
Note: VBAC is vaginal birth after cesarean.
Sources: OB/GYN Crisis Coalition, Illinois Section of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
Copyright © 2008 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
