Since malpractice only counts for one-one half of one percent, it is not such a bad bone to throw

[ncteechur]

the repubs.

[bluestateguy]

1. If it gets us a public option, then that is a bone that thet can have

It's not a non-issue (med malpractice), but not as big of a deal as some would have us believe.

[Eric J in MN]

2. For people seriously hurt by medical malpractice...

...not being justly compensated is a big deal.

[ncteechur]

3. For people not having health coverage at all, getting something passed is important.

[avaistheone1]

7. True. Is a life lost as a result of medical malpractice only worth $200,000?

Or is an infant who will need round the clock care for the rest of its life worth only $100,000 or $200,000?

[Loge23]

4. The pukes could care less about tort reform

It's all about the fact that Trial Lawyers traditionally support Democratic candidates.
Never think for a minute that pukes give a rats ass about the issues. It's all about them.

[underpants]

5. I agree

that the test case deals will show that

http://www.insurance-reform.org/

[lyonn]

10. Interesting, just as I suspected

Repubs want tort reform, then the FACTS need to be out there for all to see. Insurance companies don't want to reveal this info.

[FrenchieCat]

6. Plus it won't be part of the legislation......

He just said that they will look at some test on this.......as of today.

So now the Republicans can shut their asses up about this one.

[grantcart]

8. agreed and it is being abused in some cases - especially OBGYN practitioners

[hedgehog]

9. I heard him promise to cut the cost defending against malpractice,

not simple tort reform. My understanding is that by setting a code for generally accepted practice, he'll free doctors from having to order extra tests for defense against possible malpractice claims.

[TxRider]

11. Exactly, it's more than malpractice.

It's defensive medicine costs trying to avoid it.

And if like Obama said in the speech...

"And if we are able to slow the growth of health care costs by just one-tenth of one percent each year, it will actually reduce the deficit by $4 trillion over the long term."

Then surely saving one half of one percent would save quite a bit, plus savings from reducing defensive medicine costs.

Win win, unless your a lawyer.

[lyonn]

12. What's interesting is that most trial attorneys don't take

medical malpractice cases. The Plaintiff's atty must foot all the bills for depositions, witness fees, investigation of all sort since most clients can't afford it. They only get their money back if they win. The attys that defend doctors have an unlimited amount of cash to spend to defend since they work for insurance companies.

Edit: clarification