Physician, Heal Thyself: Docs' Moving Claims Don't Add Up.
Cleveland Scene
June 2, 2004


In the Plain Dealer ad featuring him, Dr. Gary Gottlieb appeared solemn, even a little sad. Below him was a line that read, "Gone. A real physician, with real patients, who is really leaving Ohio."

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But according to a 30-year study by Americans for Insurance Reform, rates are skyrocketing because insurance companies are trying to recoup the billions they lost on the stock market in recent years.

And the $80,000 difference between Ohio and Arizona? "The simple answer is that insurance is regulated by the states," says Rick Nelson, spokesman for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. "So state regulations play a major role in the cost of insurance."

In fact, trade mag Insurance Journal recently reported that "skyrocketing malpractice insurance premiums" are driving docs out of Arizona. "This is a line that insurance companies use all over the country," says Geoff Boehm, spokesman for Americans for Insurance Reform. "Doctors in state A say they're all leaving for state B, while doctors in state B say they're all leaving for state C."

And Ohio should have plenty of doctors for the foreseeable future: The number of doctors per capita in Ohio has risen steadily for years, faster than the national average. Even Gottlieb concedes that it's complicated. "Why are the rates higher here?" he says. "I don't know. I don't claim to be an expert in this."

For a copy of the complete article, contact AIR.