title: Changing practice habits of King County obstetricians.
abstract: In 1987, all practicing King County, Washington obstetricians (N = 181) were surveyed to determine the impact of rising malpractice premium rates and the threat of litigation on their obstetric practices. Six percent of respondents anticipated closing their practices over the next year, which means an additional 520 deliveries will have to be absorbed into existing obstetric practices. Of the 71% who increased their professional fees in 1986, 90% attributed the increase to higher malpractice premiums and increased risk of litigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Virginia Mason Clinic, Seattle, Washington.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Firth
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chu
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Bell
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Bailey
authors.forename: R M
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Soderstrom
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003954:Diagnostic Services / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005251:Fees, Medical / Q000639:trends; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007351:Insurance, Liability / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D008297:Male; D008318:Malpractice / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D008875:Middle Aged; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000191:economics* / Q000639:trends; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014861:Washington