This week the AAOS and the New York State Society of Orthopaedic Surgeons (NYSSOS) joined with other physician organizations in encouraging state legislative leaders to embrace a proposal for reducing medical liability costs. Specifically, the measure tucked into Governor Cuomo’s Executive Budget proposal would provide much-needed relief to medical professionals in the form of lower liability insurance premiums and litigation costs. The organizations pointed out that a significant impediment to an already challenged industry is a dysfunctional medical liability adjudication system that is increasing costs at a time when medical practices are already operating amidst heightened financial stress as a result of COVID-19. The stark reality is evident in New York, where physicians and hospitals endure the highest liability awards and costs. A recent report indicated that in 2019, New York had the greatest total medical liability payouts of any state and nearly 70% more than the state with the second greatest amount. AAOS believes that the structure of the current medical liability system limits the ability of physicians to provide the highest quality patient care and that systemic reform is necessary to improve the overall health care system.
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