Florida orthopedic surgeons react to liability concerns. Lower insurance coverage, protect assets, avoid trauma.
Three hundred thirty-six Florida orthopedic surgeons, an estimated 40% of those in active private practice, responded in a survey regarding liability effects on their practice. They indicated an average of 1.9 suits per surgeon, up from an average of 1.3 two years previously. Seventeen percent reported no professional liability coverage and combined with those who had dropped "tail" coverage to lower their premium, 29% are partially or completely uninsured. Half the surgeons responding reported $250,000 coverage or less; many more indicated their intention to reduce or eliminate coverage soon. Sixty-three percent have carried out estate planning asset protection steps. Responding to liability threats, 70% report significant recent practice style changes, the most common being avoidance of trauma patients and increasing the number of x-rays and tests ordered for patients. Origin of patients who subsequently became plaintiffs was usually the emergency room; however, the alleged injury usually occurred in the operating room later in that hospitalization.
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D005431:Florida; D006801:Humans; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000191:economics*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009985:Orthopedics / Q000191:economics*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires