Doctor Refuses To Treat Patient That Doesn't Support Tort Reform

This article has made the rounds, but I wanted to comment on it:

"RICHLAND, Wash. - A doctor in Washington state has dropped a patient because she refused to sign an initiative to limit malpractice awards."

I believe that people should have the right to decide who they do business with on just about any grounds.  But I wonder where doctors like this will draw the line?  Will they refuse to treat Democrats?  Or Libertarians?  Or Ralph Nader?

Personally, I wouldn't want to be treated by a physician who is that terrified of being sued for malpractice.  Kind of sends the wrong message about his competence, doesn't it?

Comments

[Cee]

I couldn't agree with you more Justin! Many people have been "scammed" into believing that "tort reform" is a "good thing," when in fact it is not. I know! I plan on writing more about this very soon, here, but for now I will state this:

1) Insurance companies had "record profit-breaking years" in 2003, especially in 2004! It's a fact and easily checked online, matter-of-fact. Or call you're insurance company. Ask them for a breakdown of their profits. Good luck, though.

2) Ok... You say you agree with "Tort Reform." Well, then if caps are placed (and have been now) on human sufferage, Doctor's fees should be capped, as well. And if you think they are, think again. When's the last time anyone took a look at their last insurance payment in "broken down details?"

3) The higher the position of the physician, and the more prone he or she is to "patient inter-relations," meaning (e.i.) the guy that puts us under before an operation, or the Doctor performing an operation is obviously at a higher risk of possibly making a critial error, or worse. Thanks to "tort reform" Doctors now prescibe to the very insurance companies they invest in and their payments remain at a nice level.

I have insurance on my car. I can't afford to pay high-end amounts of coverage. Naturally, if I could I certainly would, yet in actuality no matter how much I pay my insurance company still forces me into high deductibles and the value of my car goes down each time - the very second one drives off the showroom floor, you've lost value right then and there.

Ask your Doctor if he supports "tort reform." If he replies "yes," ask him what his home is worth. I guarantee it's worth a heck of a lot more than most of his patients.

If I get sued, god forbid, from a car accident that could be my fault, I'm not going to loose my home or car. Rather, my insurance company pays for it.

I hope that if someone reads this, and they have fallen prey to the lies about "tort reform" they'll reconsider their thoughts on this issue. Insurance companies are some of the riches firms in our nation. They got rich on folks like you and I. Then ask yourself why they have lobbyist that prey on your politicans... and they spend a lot of money doing so. Then ask yourself one final question: "Whom are the investors of said insurance company?" You'd be surprised to find out.

I only hope none of you loose a limb, become disabled or worse yet, loose a loved one due to a huge corporation or medical mistake. I never thought it would happen to me. But it did. That's how I can write this. I'm not a laywer and don't like many I've met. But, I do like the one that's fighting for my loved one right now. If he were here, he'd be writing the same thing, but better. And you never know. Someday you might need an attorney to fight for your loved one or yourself, someday. It's part of your Constitutional rights, something that continues to become eroded on state and gov't levels with each passing day.

Too young a Widow

[momo]

i am currently getting raked over the coles.

i went to the doctor yesterday. and, i told him my problem. and told him it occured right after i woke up from surgery. then, i asked the cause,what happen,and was it the doctors fault. well, this doctor tells me the problem. then tells me the other doctor botched the sugery. goes outside to take a phone call (or so he said thats what he had to do) then comes back into the room. and, tells me that he can't treat me for this problem. and, i should go back to the doctor that did the sugery and have him treat me. now mind you. the doctor that did the original surgery has already released me from his care.

now you tell me. am i getting screwed or what.and, if so, what should be my next move. ?

unfortunately, this is what results from people suing doctors for too much, and rising malpractice premiums. I personally don't blame this doctor for doing this, even though i think that politically it isn't right. He is afraid of people attempting to sue him, and if he sees an easier practice and less risk if he treats patients that support tort reform, that is his decision to make. He most likely doesn't feel incomptetant, but rather paranoid of people attempting to sue him for nothing. As for momo, i do see a cause to ask the doctor to pay for the treatment of the problem that he has caused, and then to sue him if he refuses payment outside of court. Always try to solve the problem outside of the courtroom when possible.