By Conti
Frankfort, KY – A Kentucky physician who chairs the American Medical Association has told a congressional panel the country's medical liability system is in dire need of reform. Doctor Ardis Dee Hoven testified Thursday before the House Judiciary Committee.
She says more than 60 percent of US doctors age 55 and older have been sued but a majority of the claims lack merit. Nevertheless, she says, the threat of legal action causes physicians to practice "defensive medicine."
"Every dollar that goes to medical liability costs, is a dollar that does not go to patients who need care. Nor toward an investment in physician practices, a majority of which are small businesses that create jobs that benefit local and state economies."
Dr. Hoven says the AMA seeks federal reforms that stabilize physicians' insurance premiums while ensuring patients' access to healthcare.