Issue link: https://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/41583
++ + ++ + Continued from Page 17 +++++++++++++++++++ LOCAL NEWS +++++++++++++++++++ + + EXCELLUS BCBS ISSUES FACTS ON MEDICAL MALPRACTICE COVERAGE Medical malpractice premiums for physi- cians in different regions of the state can vary as much as five times the amount paid between regions, and the difference can exceed $100,000 for some specialties, according to an analysis issued by Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. "Medical malpractice rates for upstate New York physicians are considerably less than those in downstate regions and similar to the amounts paid by physicians in states that report the lowest premium rates in the country," says Arthur Ver- cillo, M.D., Regional President, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. "The Facts About New York State Medi- cal Malpractice Coverage Premiums" shows that the standard malpractice premium for an internist in Buffalo, Syracuse, Bingham- ton and Utica ($9,874) is significantly lower than for an internist practicing on Long Island ($35,028). A similar differential ex- ists for physicians in other specialties. For example, a general surgeon's premium rate in those same upstate areas is $32,663, contrasted with a Long Island surgeon's rate of $115,872; and obstetricians/gyne- cologists in many upstate areas may pay $52,650, while their Long Island counter- parts face a standard rate of $186,772. Physicians pose varying risks of liability based on their specialties, experience factors and the experience of other physicians in the regions where they practice medicine. Standard rates are reviewed and approved by the New York State Insurance Department. The data presented in the factsheet for New York state physicians is based on current standard premium rates of the Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Co., which insures most physicians in the state. "Regardless of the regional differences in premium rates, physicians and hospitals that pay their physicians' medical malpractice insurance premiums believe that the rates are too high and want to see them low- ered by reforms to the state's tort system," Vercillo says. The factsheet reviews reports that provide cost estimates on the impact that malpractice insurance coverage and defensive medicine may have on total health care spending. "We share physicians' concerns about malpractice premium rates," Vercillo says. Excellus BlueCross BlueShield has advocated, together with such organizations as the Medical Society of the State of New York and The Business Council of See Page 21