Malpractice

Malpractice reform has an honored place on the long list of health issues that Congress remains stalemated on, year in and year out. There are legitimate disagreements about the extent of the problem and how to address it -- and there are some political advantages in keeping malpractice reform on the political "red meat" menu. [slideshow] Encouraging more mediation and arbitration (instead of more lawsuits) has some appeal on both sides of the spectrum, but it hasn't gotten a lot of federal traction. One county in Pennsylvania has begun a pilot program. By teaming up doctors and lawyers to work together to resolve disputes amicably and putting the patient's interests first, hospitals hope to reduce patient anxiety, improve safety by addressing errors, and potentially cut costs. Here's an interesting account in the Philadelphia Inquirer.