Illinois Docs Rally Over Insurance Rates
NU Online News Service, May 13, 2:18 p.m. EDT?Organizers of a doctors rally in Chicago today said they expect that thousands of physicians and their supporters will be there to urge action by federal lawmakers to address soaring medical malpractice insurance costs.
The American Medical Association said the rally is organized and supported by a number of medical groups, including the Chicago Medical Society, the Illinois State Medical Society, and more than 55 physician, hospital and other health care groups. The American Medical Association considers Illinois to be one of 18 states in a "medical liability crisis."
Unlike State House rallies in other states, today's demonstration is focusing on demands for legislation on the federal level.
William Kobler, president of the Illinois State Medical Society, said that his group would like nothing more than for Illinois state lawmakers to pass proven reforms, "but we've been down that road before" he noted.
"We're looking toward Congress to act now before our patients are forced to suffer the consequences of decreased access to care," he said.
Dr. Kobler added that three times, Illinois has enacted medical liability reforms into law, but that each time the Illinois Supreme Court has ruled them unconstitutional.
The Chicago Medical Society, the main organizer of today's rally, said on its Web site that hospitals and medical staff presidents are being invited and that many are expected to participate.
"Special buses will be organized for transportation. We are inviting all Chicagoland area physicians to participate…. so that we can fill the [rally] with several thousand physicians, their patients and others in support of tort reform at a national level," the group stated.
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