Lawsuits Could Lead To Doctor Shortage In Missouri

The association representing thousands of Missouri doctors is warning this state could see some of the physician walkouts that are being experienced in several other states unless action is taken to deal with what doctors call runaway litigation. Doctors in several states, including West Virginia, Texas, Pennsylvania, and Nevada have taken part in work stoppages to protest the rising cost of malpractice insurance. Tom Holloway, with the Missouri State Medical Association, says these walkouts, which have forced some hospitals to cancel surgeries, could spread to Missouri. Holloway says rising malpractice insurance rates, brought about by the filing of lawsuit after lawsuit, force some doctors to retire and others to move to other states. Holloway says reform of the legal system is essential if Missouri is to prevent similar problems to those that exist in other states.