20 percent of medical tests done for defensive reasons
Posted on Monday, February 28th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
A recent study conducted by Dr. John Flynn of Children’s Hospital in Pennsylvania found that about 20 percent of imaging tests done by doctors in Pennsylvania are done for defensive reasons. Defensive medicine is practiced when a physician or nurse administers a test or some kind of treatment primarily to protect themselves from possibly being sued for medical malpractice or negligence.
Some worry that defensive medicine could actually be counterproductive for doctors because it can lead to unnecessary costs for patients and excessive exposure to radiation. Researchers primarily looked at doctors’ use of medical imaging like x-rays, MRI scans and CT scans.
The study tracked 72 orthopedic surgeons in Pennsylvania by having them mark if they were doing a test because it was required or for defensive reasons. The study involved 2,068 patients. 20 percent of tests ordered by doctors were done for defensive reasons and 35 percent of all costs were the result of defensive testing and treatment.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice in Pennsylvania, contact the Harrisburg medical malpractice lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511 to learn more about your rights as a patient.
Gov. Rendell announces decrease in medical malpractice in PA
Posted on Monday, October 11th, 2010 at 5:55 pm
Last week, Governor Rendell announced that there has been a 61 percent decrease in medical malpractice payouts since 2003. In 2003, the state saw 700 medical malpractice claims and $378 million paid for these claims. This year, there have been 329 claims and $146 million paid.
Rendell stated, “The number of catastrophic malpractice cases being filed for more than half a million dollars in damages has nearly been cut in half in the past eight years”.
In addition, Rendell noted that 38,000 doctors in Pennsylvania purchased medical malpractice insurance coverage this year compared to the 32,000 in 2003 showing an ease in doctor shortages.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of medical malpractice, contact the Harrisburg medical malpractice attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C. at 610-667-7511 to learn more about your rights.