Ohio Medical Malpractice Commission Meets Tomorrow for 18th Time

November 16, 2004

  • November 16, 2004 at 4:28 am
    Old crusty says:
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    I do not understand why nobody ever talks about the most successful med mal program in the country, which can be found right next door to Ohio, in Indiana.

    This program has been in existance for 20 years and has been adjusted periodically for inflation, but has maintained the integrity of the Indiana Patients Compensation Act. Claims are filed with the Department of Insurance, reviewed by a panel of doctors, lawyers, and civilians to determine if malpractice actually occurred. If yes, case can be filed in court. If no, it goes away.

    Eliminates the frivoilous suits from reaching court. Provides compensation where appropriate, limits lawyers fees and provides certain benefits.

    Doctors carry 250,000/ 750,000 coverage, State Fund (cost is 100% of underlying premium) picks up balance to $1.5 million maximum.

    If you don’t pay to 100% surcharge, you don’t have the protection of the cap.

    Why do we have to re-invent the wheel?

  • November 17, 2004 at 9:48 am
    Dan says:
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    The med mal-crises is the product of inThe med mal practice crisis is a product of hospital administrators not allowing doctors to become self-insured in order to practice in their hospital.

    Most hospitals are self insured in order to keep cost under control. Yet, they will not allow surgeons to be self-insured. Self-insured is the key to solving the mal practice crises.

    Most surgeons can afford or obtain a letter of credit from their bank, which would make the hospital the beneficiary in the event the doctor is sued while practicing in their hospital. No matter what, the doctor cannot withdraw the funds under an irrevocable letter of credit unless the hospital signs off, which will release the funds to pay mal-practice claims.

    Doctors become cognizant in their practice when they have to put up their own money. This will reduce injuries to patients and at the same time provide better patient care.



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