malpractice in EM

[coconut lime]

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is EM one of the specialities that has very high malpractice insurance? it seems like it would, because you'd probably carry a lot of responsiblity if you sent a patient home for something that ended up killing him. how does that play into salaries? i live in illinois and i know it's not one of the better states as far as caps go. does anybody have any information, either specifically relating to IL or even in general nationwide? thanks!

 

[j-snake]

TIME magazine had an article not too long ago about physician's malpractice. If I remember correctly EPs had the third highest malpractice rates behind Neurosurgery and Ob/gyn. I think that nationwide average was around $55,000 a year, but it varies a lot regionally. It can be over $100,000 in Florida, and $20,000 in Utah. I don't know for sure because I am not practicing yet. I know Illinois has major problems. The legislature is thinking of doing an emergency session to look at the problem of rising malpractice. They promised they would do something to help the doctors, but too many of the state legislators are beholden to the trial lawyers. I attend school in MO and I know that many people in Illinois are coing here to receive medical care. That kind of worries our hospital because that means our Physicians can get dragged into Illinois courts. As far as specific malpractice numbers in Illinois, I suggest you talk with an EP who works in your state.