Physicians direct tort reform education efforts at patients: waiting room 'electioneering'.(Practice Trends)

Publication: Skin & Allergy News

Publication Date: 01-APR-04

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COPYRIGHT 2004 International Medical News Group

In a presidential election year that promises little hope for medical liability reform and other health policy breakthroughs, physicians are hoping that they can make a difference through one important tool: their patients.

Cardiologist Richard Schott's waiting room contains political information and a bulletin board that details the hottest health policy topics in Pennsylvania: the malpractice climate and "under fair market" reimbursement by private insurers. Physicians in his state "are reimbursed at 30% below Medicare rates, 40% below the national average," said Dr. Schott, of Media, Pa.

In his opinion, patients should be kept up to speed on issues that affect their doctors.

Dr. Susan Komorowski, an ob.gyn, in Dayton, Ohio, believes it's more important than ever for physicians to talk to their patients about political issues.

"Most people are aware that the liability crisis is...

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