The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is having a medical care crisis. Malpractice is out of control and the govenor is trying to take over the excess liability fund so he can provide socialized health care for state residents. Consequently, malpractice rates have shot up. Physicians are leaving the state in droves and newly trained doc are much less likely to set up practice there (1/3 the rate of 20 years ago). My understanding that educating docs to stay in the Pennsylvania -- especially the more rural areas -- is one of the main purposes for setting up the school.
Ed
Exactly. Here's a look at issues plaguing NEPA (these are all counties surrounding Scranton including it's own county):
Lackawanna:
Community Medical Center - Has been unable to attract a new orthopedic spine surgeon to Northeastern Pennsylvania, according to Orthopedic Surgeon Harry Schmaltz
Scranton - Nine of 12 orthopedic surgeons no longer take trauma call in Scranton
Community Medical Center
Scranton - Ten ER physicians at Community Medical Center, Scranton, were forced to turn to the hospital for assistance in covering increased liability premiums after losing their insurance
Scranton - 12 surgeons have retired or died in the past five years and none have been recruited to take their place, according to a CNN interview with Dr. Charles Bannon
Luzerne:
Greater Hazleton Health Alliance - Which operates the former Hazleton State General Hospital and the former Hazleton-St. Joseph Medical Center, has announced layoffs of 25-30 workers in 2002 due, in part, to a premium increase from $510,000 to $1.4 million for the Broad Street Campus and from $500,000 to $2.1 million for the Church Street Campus, according to CEO Bernard Rudegeair, who also noted that the hospitals face a $3 million deficit by year's end.
Wyoming Valley Health Care System - Eliminated 52 positions on May 1, 2002, including nurses, accountants, and clerical staff, according to hospital President Dr. William Host. This follows the elimination of 23 managerial positions in April, 2002. These measures are expected to save the hospital $3.5 million, reducing a standing $10 million deficit, due in part to malpractice insurance premium increase, according to Dr. Host.
Monroe:
Pocono Medical Center - In 1992, there were 10 orthopedic surgeons taking trauma call at Pocono Medical Center, the only major facility serving the Pocono's many busy ski areas; now there are only four taking trauma call in 2003
Pocono Medical Center - Lost money in 2001, according to the PA Health Care Cost Containment Council, due in part to increased malpractice costs
Pocono Medical Center - Expected its malpractice premiums to jump from $1.2 million to $3.4 million when its current policy expires in August 2002, according to CEO Eugene LeBlond, who also noted that the insurance crisis has held up approval for the hospital's strategic plan to meet the growing needs of the county
Pocono Medical Center - Serving the Poconos ski areas and seeing over 60,000 ER patients each year, no longer has a neurosurgeon on staff
