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Doctors not taking advantage of state medical malpractice program

Few physicians are taking advantage of a new state program aimed at helping doctors with medical malpractice. Megan Clarke reports.

One month into the state-sponsored medical malpractice program and only one doctor has been approved.

Department of Insurance Director Scott Lakin says the program hopes to create competition in the medical malpractice market in order to drive premiums down.

WE'VE GOT A WAYS TO GO YET, I DON'T THINK THE CRISIS IS OVER BUT WE ARE SEEING COMPANIES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES THAT ARE LOOKING AT GIVING DOCTORS MORE OPTIONS.

While very few have applied, Lakin says more than 1000 doctors have made inquiries.

The program was created at Governor Holden's request. The medical malpractice market was considered in crisis after premiums jumped more than 50 percent from 2001 to 2002.

One doctor in one month: that's what the state's medical malpractice program has gained since starting in June. Megan Clarke has the story.

Governor Holden requested the state-sponsored medical malpractice program to give an option to doctors, but so far only one doctor has been approved.

The program hopes to alleviate premium rates that have jumped more than 50% in from 2001 to 2002.

Director of Insurance Scott Lakin says the program provides competition.

THE QUICKEST THING THAT WILL TURN AROUND THE MEDICAL MALPRACTICE MARKET IS ADDITIONAL COMPETITION TO THE MARKET PLACE.

Lakin says more than 1000 doctors have inquired about the program.