How Do Medical Negligence Claims Effect The Health Care Industry?

By Jo Wilson

Due to the many new discoveries happening with regards to disease and medicine, physicians and other medical professionals often find it hard to keep up with the flow of information. Something that is required if one wants to avoid medical negligence claims. One can however prevent such claims simply through reading a variety of periodicals and reports related to the medical field on an ongoing basis. Also, knowing the newest information related to any given medical case assures physicians can give their patients the best care.

Each individual must decide for oneself if medicine is an area of interest. However, it is an area where if one desires to become a doctor, one must acknowledge the reality that they will have little free time. This is because that while medical professionals care for clients in both clinic and hospital settings, much time at home is spent reading various medical journals and research reports to keep up with all the advancements in the field. Reading that can protect both doctors and patients and prevent future issues regarding medical negligence.

Also, while physicians must go through many years of schooling, one area often not covered in that area is the risk of medical malpractice and associated law suits. While medical malpractice is a real issue in the industry, it is not something many wish to discuss. However, with the increased cost of insurance for such professionals, this is changing and today, unlike before, people are talking.

Increased insurance costs for doctors is also effecting patients. Because in some situations, even though a doctor has had training, often even if at a world renowned university, they may come to realize there is no realizing their dream of a private practice as the affordability factor is out of reach. Therefore, many of these doctors, and thankfully so, move into areas caring for people through community based organizations. Treatment that has and will continue to save the lives of many individuals.

Some have already found great success taking one route or the other. Whereas others may be forced into community based work through issues such as job availability, location and the high cost of medical malpractice insurance. Whatever the case, generally an individual can find a rewarding career regardless of the price of insurance with at least some level of flexibility. Of course, the more flexible one is with regards to education, relocation and work schedule, the more likely the reality of securing a position.

As there are many openings in the world for great doctors today, it is an area where one can generally find work. Remember however, that if one is looking to go into private practice that malpractice insurance is a requirement which can often cost more than a typical physician makes in a year in a clinic setting. In addition, as individuals now have access to both medical insurance and prescription medication online, fewer are going to the doctor or having prescriptions filled locally. A combination that can be costly especially for those in private practice.

For many people however, the first and foremost law is love. It is these individuals who often find themselves working in community based clinics and hospitals. This is because these professionals care more about the healing aspects of medicine than the monetary ones. In addition, some of these physicians may have dreamed of opening their own practice, be excellent physicians though just not able to afford a private practice. To this end, even community clinics and hospitals may offer the best care around.

One only has to look as far as the health care industry to see the negative effect the high cost of medical malpractice and medical negligence claims have cost the profession. Because the more medical negligence claims, the more expensive the insurance. Regardless, all doctors must choose between the high cost of premiums if wishing to establish a private practice, working at shared clinics or hospitals, community clinics or government sponsored institutions where salaries if they exist at all, are rather small in comparison to that of a private practice. However, if the institution is covered under insurance which also protects the doctor, then this can result in at least some savings. Thus, making it a good place to work for those who are in it for both the love of people and the love of medicine. - 31397

About the Author:

Sign Up for our Free Newsletter

Enter email address here