GREENSBORO, N.C., Feb. 16, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Physicians have found an unlikely ally in fighting the high cost of medical malpractice premiums: their patients.
According to Medical Justice Services, Inc., a firm that fights frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits on behalf of doctors, virtually all patients are willing to sign a contract in which they agree not to sue their doctor for frivolous reasons.
Patients also agree to use only expert witnesses from the same specialty for which they are being treated -- an expert in urology to review treatment given by a urologist, for example -- should a genuine dispute over their care later arise.
That willingness to sign the contract gives physicians a level of assurance that they didn't have before, according to Jeffrey Segal, M.D., a neurosurgeon and the founder of Medical Justice.
"This confirms what I have always believed," said Segal. "Effective health care is a partnership, in which both patients and physicians have a stake in trusting each other. A key part of that trust is effective communications."
That starts when physicians and patients talk to each other about a particular diagnosis, what treatment options exist and what the expected outcome is likely to be.
But often, physicians order additional tests so that they will have a defense should the case come back up in a courtroom. Practicing such defensive medicine adds billions annually to the cost of healthcare in the United States.
"Physicians are interested in providing good patient care," said Segal. "Patients are interested in receiving the best care available. The best way to get there is for us to trust each other."
H. George Brennan, M.D., a facial plastic surgeon in Newport Beach, California, agreed.
"(The patients) believe that it is prudent and fair to both sides," Brennan said.
Jeffrey H. Oppenheimer, M.D., a neurosurgeon in Slidell, Louisiana, said he has been using the contract. He said that Medical Justice's services have helped him avoid a lawsuit.
"I think their services are well worth it," Oppenheimer said.
Lawrence M. Spetka, M.D., a neurosurgeon at the Toledo Clinic, has used Medical Justice's services twice.
"My experience with Medical Justice involves having two cases dropped within weeks of being filed and shortly after the plaintiff's attorney got a letter from Medical Justice," Spetka said. "This is unheard of."
Segal said that Medical Justice not only benefits physicians, but also benefits patients -- and ultimately, the community as a whole.
The best part of it is that patients give up none of their general rights, if there is a legitimate issue for a jury to decide," he said. "Taking frivolous lawsuits off the table, however, will lower the cost of healthcare to all, which will ultimately be a benefit to patients."
About Medical Justice Services -- Run by physicians for physicians, Medical Justice uses a proven strategy to avoid frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. Visit us at www.medicaljustice.com.