Patients will suffer if medical-malpractice issue remains unsolved
The health care system in the United States has a number of problems and the cost of medical malpractice liability insurance for physicians in Pennsylvania is but one of them. As a lifelong citizen of the commonwealth, community activist, professional social worker and the spouse of a physician, I am concerned that the debate over medical malpractice has become a dividing issue among Pennsylvanians. To some, it may appear to be a “showdown” between attorneys and doctors. To others, it may seem like an unnecessary tactic on the part of some to distract citizens and pin one profession against another. In reality, health care is a unifying theme as at some time or another, we all need it and we all desire the best of it.
During the past 13 months, Fayette County has lost two orthopedic surgeons, who moved out of state to continue practicing medicine, and as the obstetrical services of three physicians who delivered approximately 40 percent of the babies in our county. The reason cited for departure and discontinuation of service: unavailability of medical malpractice insurance and the large increase in premiums for companies willing to continue insuring Pennsylvania physicians.
People requiring orthopedic surgery are now limited in the number of surgeons available to manage their care. Routine and emergent orthopedic care have been referred out of the county and to West Virginia, a state with its own set of related problems. Some pregnant women have experienced an interruption in service and have had to seek care with other already busy local obstetricians or travel for prenatal care and delivery. Rural health care workers cite transportation among the top barriers to patient care. The absence of a mass transportation system and the unavailability of reliable vehicles are among the problems.
In addition, some health insurance plans might not cover the cost of out-of-state health care despite the fact a West Virginia provider may be in closer to a patient’s home than other options within Pennsylvania.
When physicians leave a metropolitan area, certainly patients are inconvenienced. When physicians or their services are no longer available in rural areas, it can mean a shortage and sometimes a crisis. Hence, rural areas such as ours run the risk of being disproportionately affected by physician shortages and/or services.
Radiology is experiencing its own shortage of physicians. Simultaneously, the utilization of medical imaging services is increasing. As the spouse of a radiologist, I have participated in a number of physician interviews. Prospective physicians are reluctant to move to Pennsylvania or stay here after completing 12 or more years of post-secondary education and training to practice medicine in light of the medical malpractice issue and reimbursement rates, to name two of the problems. There seems to be an impression of Pennsylvania as being unfriendly to professionals including physicians.
The commonwealth has an obligation to help create and support an environment conducive to providing quality health care to its citizens. Meaningful dialogue between stakeholders including physicians, allied health care workers, hospital personnel, insurance companies, and patients – insured and uninsured – is in order. It is completely counterproductive for the commonwealth and any of its elected or appointed representatives to engage in meaningless media spin. It is also irresponsible for the commonwealth to condone the actions of officials such as the Secretary of the Commonwealth C. Michael Weaver who sent a form letter over the holidays to physicians “reminding” them of their moral and ethical obligations as licensed professionals. A knee-jerk reaction is a poor approach to a serious problem.
The question I urge all Pennsylvanians to ask is this: “What kind of health care do I want, need and think is reasonable?” And then, I urge you to contact your state representative and state senator and insist they act in your interest and in the interest of your family and your community.
Lastly, until reasonable solutions are implemented, be prepared to wait or travel for service. I am certain an approach to problem solving with Pennsylvanians in mind instead of one involving creating enemies where there are none will avoid further physician departures and walkouts as we have seen in our neighboring state of West Virginia.
This commonwealth has trained some of the finest physicians and allied health professionals in the United States and in the world. Pennsylvanians should benefit from this workforce training commitment by insisting the commonwealth commit to a reasonable health care practice environment. Let’s work toward health care as if it is everyone’s issue because it is.
Susan Uhazie Camele lives in Uniontown.