Researchers found the incidence and cost of medical malpractice lawsuits at an academic medical center in Texas decreased significantly after the implementation of tort reform in the state, according to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons.
For their study, researchers analyzed a surgical operation database and a risk management and malpractice database to determine malpractice risk. Risk groups were then categorized into pre-tort reform (1992-2004) and post-tort reform groups (2004-present).
In total, more than 98,000 general surgical procedures were performed and 28 lawsuits (25 pre-reform and three post-reform) were filed against general surgery faculty or residents. Forty lawsuits were filed for every 100,000 procedures before reform. Conversely, eight lawsuits were filed per every 1000,000 procedures after reform was implemented.
Researchers also found costs associated with medical malpractice lawsuits diminished drastically. In the pre-tort reform period, costs of the liability and defense averaged $595,000 each year, compared to $515 per year after reform was implemented.
Read the study about tort reform in Texas.
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For their study, researchers analyzed a surgical operation database and a risk management and malpractice database to determine malpractice risk. Risk groups were then categorized into pre-tort reform (1992-2004) and post-tort reform groups (2004-present).
In total, more than 98,000 general surgical procedures were performed and 28 lawsuits (25 pre-reform and three post-reform) were filed against general surgery faculty or residents. Forty lawsuits were filed for every 100,000 procedures before reform. Conversely, eight lawsuits were filed per every 1000,000 procedures after reform was implemented.
Researchers also found costs associated with medical malpractice lawsuits diminished drastically. In the pre-tort reform period, costs of the liability and defense averaged $595,000 each year, compared to $515 per year after reform was implemented.
Read the study about tort reform in Texas.
Related Articles on Tort Reform:
Protect Physician Pay, But Not at Hospitals' Expense, AHA Says
Study: Physicians Fear Malpractice Suits Regardless of Actual Risk
Study: 50% of Med Students Plan to Leave Illinois Due to Malpractice Environment