Aurora doctor: 'The sun still comes up' after refusing... -
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Published on: 10/7/2008
Last Visited: 12/28/2003
At Dreyer Medical Clinic, physicians still are being impacted by high malpractice rates, according to Dreyer's chief executive, John Potter, who says the Aurora-based clinic will see a 100 percent increase in insurance premium as of Dec. 15.
"Most of the physicians outside of Dreyer renewed in the middle of last year," said Potter."So we are kind of on the leading edge of what will happen next year."
And that won't be pretty, according to Potter.Not only is the Aurora-based clinic paying twice as much for its coverage, but Dreyer physicians will only receive a $1 million maximum per claim, whereas they used to be insured up to $3 million.
There weren't many alternatives for the clinic, Potter said.Dreyer sought bids from seven companies last year and received three, whereas this year, Dreyer's broker returned only with one quote that the clinic could take or leave.The only other alternative was an insurance company with an a-rated AP Capital credit rating.
"You don't want to be buying insurance from someone on the brink of bankruptcy," said Potter.
Ultimately, Potter predicts there will be more private physicians like Goncher leaving Illinois for state where there's been tort reform.One obstetrician in his practice talks of no longer delivering babies, and other high-risk specialities may be depleted if these doctors are forced to leave.
"It will mean that, as we negotiate with managed-care payers, we will have to negotiate for much higher patient services and fees," said Potter.