Rounding The Final Turn In Annapolis: Danger For Doctors Another 90 days nearing an end as the Legislature "rounds the final turn" in Annapolis. Extending that racetrack analogy, what will happen as senators and delegates "cross the finish line"?

While the race is not over, it is the legislator-trial lawyer who may be in the lead -- while presenting a clear and present danger to medical practice and healthcare in Maryland. Unless action by doctors and patients moves fast, passage of SB 692 / HB495 removes the requirement that expert testimony from a medical specialist be submitted as part of the evidence in lawsuits against doctors.

Doctors moved fast on March 20 by successfully advocating the 71-63 House of Delegates' vote/defeat of HB 495. Is this defeat of trial lawyers real? Or, is it a temporary illusion that an end is coming to the crisis driving key medical specialties -- examples being OB-GYNs and neurosurgeons -- out of practice?

Doctors are in danger of leaving or being driven from treating, caring for patients. This problem will escalate if the Legislature continues to give an unlimited hunting license for lawyers who live off lawsuits -- legitimate or phony. The fees of these trial lawyers can be as high as 40% of a damage award. It has been the threat of lawsuits that, in large part, have been driving up insurance premiums that doctors must carry in today's active litigation environment. Doctors who have made mistakes should be monitored and -- if serious -- leave practice. But, trial lawyers and insurance agents are not their replacements!

Dr. Carol Ritter describes the crisis as "a lawsuit lottery, pitting patients against doctors" OB-GYNs have been reduced by more than a third , with another third expected to leave practice by 2008. A similar loss confronts neurosurgeons.

As patients -- and constituents of legislators -- we are in trouble as long as the leaders of the General Assembly continue to mix their lawsuit bonanza into the urgency of strengthening good medical practice and healthcare in Maryland. As the home of Hopkins / University of Maryland / NIH medical research, Maryland cannot cave into political maneuvering and selfish interests.

Watch out for SB 692 being slid under the door for a Senate vote.

Labels: Annapolis, healthcare, House of Delegates, OBGYN

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