Defensive Medicine and Malpractice: An Analysis of Their Effects on the U.S. Economy and Proposals for Reform

Abstract

I will provide a look at some reform systems that have been set up and that have been attempted to be set up, in order to help curb these unnecessary and unwanted national health care costs. The Health Security plan that is being proposed by President Clinton and his legislation will show some possibilities to help better deal with this problem, both financially and ethically. "The President's proposal will limit lawyers' fees in order to discourage frivolous medical malpractice lawsuits. It will also encourage patients and doctors to use alternative forms of dispute resolution before they end up in court. This will help eliminate the "defensive medicine" that drives up costs and hurts quality - doctors ordering extra tests because they fear lawyers looking over their shoulders."