Effects Of Tort Reform On Malpractice

6 Pages 1394 Words

THE EFFECTS OF HEALTHCARE COSTS ON MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

Anonymous. (2002). Making end-of-life decisions ahead of time. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 20(7), 4-5. A living will records in writing what certain medical care he or she would like in order to sustain life. This document also serves as a guide to the patient’s values and preferences in medical care for the provider and the patient’s family. A living will legally spells out the patients desire to live as long as possible, or to allow death to occur. In the absence of these documents, it is up to the patient’s provider and immediate family to determine their wishes. When the two parties are unable to agree, the court must decide the matter. This source gives definitions and explanations for the living will, health care proxy, and other legally binding advanced healthcare directives.
Armstrong, J. (2002). Malpractice rates leading doctors to drop coverage. Physician’s Financial News, 20(7), 10. With the cost of malpractice insurance rising, and provider compensation falling, many providers are finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, the providers need malpractice insurance. But, on the other hand, the reimbursements they receive are barely sufficient enough to support the extremely high premiums their insurance carriers are requiring. There are some states whose laws on malpractice insurance are lax, allowing the providers the option to greatly reduce and/or refuse their existing coverage. Choosing to refuse their coverage presents new professional challenges for the providers. In reality, other providers are picking up the tab for the loss of that physician’s premium. In attempts to avoid these additional risks, providers are getting to know their patients better, as well as educating them of their rights and options in the case of emergency or terminal illness.
Flaherty, M. (20...