Healthcare

Medical Malpractice Mess Is One Huge Headache

February 16, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The New York Times</p> <p>The Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights showed up in Trenton to say that insurance reforms, not caps on jury awards, were responsible for restraining the growth in medical malpractice fees in California.</p>

Consensus was at a premium;

February 11, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Rep. Greenwood held a hearing on increases in the cost of medical malpractice insurance.</h3><p class="source">Philadelphia Inquirer</p> <p>"Noneconomic damage caps discourage private lawyers from taking legitimate malpractice cases," said Harvey Rosenfield, founder and president of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights in California.</p>

National debate continues on nationwide cap on pain and suffering malpractice jury awards

February 10, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">National Public Radio (NPR) Marketplace (6:30PM)</p> <p>... a cap on the non-economic side would have very little impact on the actual premium that a physician pays.</p>

Commentary; Damage Cap Adds Insult to Injuries;

February 10, 2003  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>State law cheats less-affluent victims of medical malpractice.</h3><p class="source">The Los Angeles Times</p> <p>In other words, the law generously compensates the rich but turns injured patients who are less well off into victims a second time.</p>

Commentary: Damage Cap Adds Insult to Injuries;

February 10, 2003  ·  Jamie Court

<h3>State law cheats less-affluent victims of medical malpractice.</h3> <p>Any law a jury is not told about is hardly just. And taking away the power of juries to dispense justice to medical victims in our state has resulted only in more victimization.</p>

Proposition 103 Requires Medical Malpractice Insurers to Refund Millions to Doctors

February 9, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>California Department of Insurance News Releases</h3> <p>In order to comply with California insurance reform Prop 103, medical malpractice insurers refunded millions to physicians. These file includes some ogf the original press releases announcing the refunds.</p>

Cause of rises in medical malpractice insurance rates

February 5, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">National Public Radio(NPR) All Things Considered</p> <p>At the rally today there were calls to cap jury awards in certain malpractice cases at $250,000. Those calls echo proposals by members of Congress and President Bush. Others say that's not the answer. NPR's Patricia Neighmond has this report.</p>

Leaving the line of fire; Ex-consumer activist Zelman exits as CAHP chief

February 3, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">Modern Healthcare</p> <p>"The CAHP hired a consumer advocate to give them credibility. But Wally didn't have enough stature to give credibility to a group that abuses so many patients," Rosenfield said. "I don't think anyone has that much stature.</p>

GIVE PRESCRIPTION, NOT PLACEBO

February 2, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">The Palm Beach Post</p> <p>Bush, the Governor's panel, Florida's physicians, hospitals and insurance companies omit references to Proposition 103 when touting the effectiveness of noneconomic caps. In fact, nothing about California's experience suggests that limiting jury awards</p>

KAISER AGREES TO DISCLOSE PHYSICIAN GUIDELINES, COMPENSATION TO SETTLE SUITS

January 29, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<p class="source">AM BestWire</p> <p>Kaiser Permanente said it would post clinical guidelines and its physician compensation structure on its public Web site as part of a settlement to end lawsuits with three consumer groups.</p>

Bush: ‘Frivolous and junk lawsuits’ must end

January 28, 2003  ·  Consumer Watchdog

<h3>Doctors across the U.S. take job action against skyrocketing insurance rates</h3><p class="source">Canadian Business & Current Affairs Medical Post</p> <p>FTCR was also on record as saying legislators should limit profiteering by malpractice insurers to reduce the malpractice premiums physicians pay, not restrict legal recovery by wronged patients.</p>

Complaint filed by FTCR, pursuant to Section 1861.05 of Proposition 103

January 28, 2003  ·  Harvey Rosenfield

<h3>Challenging request for increase in medical malpractice liability insurance rates filed by American Healthcare Indemnity & SCPIE Indemnity Co. (11/12/02)</h3>