Jackson Healthcare Presents Survey Findings on Defensive Medicine

by Astrid Fiano, DOTmed News Writer | March 22, 2010

DOTmed: In presenting the results of the surveys, what points does Jackson hope to get across in the health care debate that legislators should consider?

Mr. Schlotman: "One - Changing the discussion to reducing or eliminating the practice of defensive medicine from just capping malpractice awards; this can potentially save between $650-$850 billion dollars a year as estimated by practicing physicians. Two - We need to change the system, because physicians fear that one mistake could wipe out everything they've worked for. Over 89% of the physicians believe that patients receiving negligent care should be compensated."

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DOTmed: What does Jackson feel, from the survey results, is the most costly aspect of defensive medicine to physicians, and to patients?

Mr. Scholtman: "One - That they are personally financially liable for any mistake. Two - Diagnostic tests are the most common form of defensive medicine, representing 35% of the costs."

The Jackson summary notes that the state of Texas passed tort reform legislation in 2001, and that Texas physicians practice somewhat less defensive medicine than average (80 percent in Texas vs. 92 percent in the U.S.). However, Jackson Healthcare chairman and chief executive officer, Richard Jackson feels that traditional tort reform (such as caps to damage awards) is not enough to eliminate the practice of defensive medicine. In an article on the Jackson Healthcare Web site, he suggests comprehensive solutions, including: 1. eliminating personal financial liability for physicians' unintended errors, 2. creation of independent, expert medical review boards to review claims and determine if negligent treatment has occurred and, 3. establishment of separate boards to award consistent, fair compensation to wrongfully-injured patients.

The Jackson Healthcare summary and article can be accessed at: http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com/healthcare-research/healthcare-costs-defensive-medicine-study.aspx
http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com/media/69268/jh%20summary%20sheet%20dm2010a.pdf
http://www.jacksonhealthcare.com/healthcare-research/lawsuit-driven-medicine-healthcare-system.aspx

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