Does St. Luke’s support tort reform on malpractice lawsuits?
St. Luke’s supports meaningful tort reform. In addition to the direct cost of malpractice insurance and defense, malpractice cases also contribute to the cost of health care due to the practice of “defensive medicine.” The threat of lawsuits causes health care providers to order more tests and procedures than are medically necessary. The need to assure that a serious diagnosis is not overlooked is a major contributor to the rapid growth in advanced imaging (CT and MRI) as well as laboratory testing. Doctors who choose not to order these additional tests to “rule out” unlikely but possible conditions open themselves to accusations of malpractice. It’s easier to order the test and avoid the worry. Evaluating effective tort reform models – like the one passed by the Idaho Legislature in 2003, can provide guidance in how to implement real and meaningful change. Reforming the way our society adjudicates injuries from medical malpractice will result in cost savings by reducing this practice
