Physicians in northwest Maryland plan to halt non-emergency surgeries for at least two weeks to protest a 33 percent increase in malpractice insurance premiums.
The Maryland Insurance Administration on Sept. 14 approved the rate increase for 2005 for Medical Mutual Liability Insurance Society of Maryland, which insures most of the state’s doctors. The move comes after a 28 percent increase this year, bringing premiums to as high as $150,000 for some doctors.
Dr. Karl Riggle, a surgeon, said the “vast majority of specialists” agreed at a meeting at Washington County Hospital to protest the increase starting Nov. 15.
“I guess ‘job action’ is the right word for it,” he said.
Surgeries that will not get done include hernia repair, gallbladder removal, breast biopsies and colonoscopies, Riggle said. Surgeries for trauma, ruptured aneurysms and other emergencies will continue, he said.
The action will continue until Dec. 1, when malpractice insurance premiums for next year are due, Riggle said. He said if state legislators do not pass malpractice insurance reforms by then, the doctors may extend the protest.
Senate President Thomas V. Mike, a Democrat who has opposed malpractice reform, said lawmakers would not be bullied into action.
However, he renewed a call for a special session on the issue this fall, saying a $50 million state fund could help insurers pay for jury awards and settlements, allowing them to keep rates low.
Copyright 2004 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Rhonda White says: 
Martie Silvert, Ph.D. says: 
Ted Pappas says: 
Banks Still Face Legal Claims After $25 Billion Settlement
MF Global Judge to Examine Insurance Payments for Former Executives
Daredevil CEOs May Put Companies at Risk
California Independent Contractor Law May Be Liability for Agents, Brokers
North Carolina Continues Auto Regulation Debate As Rates Stay Same for 2012
Long-time California Lobbyist Looks to 2012 Legislation Affecting Insurance
Mine Safety Chief Seeks to End Complacency Over Safety
Virginia Court Grants Rehearing of Global Warming Claims Case
