<p>Regarding Oldfort’s post about rising charges due to Ob/Gyn malpractice premiums and our culture of expectations of perfect medical outcomes:</p>
<p>Obstetricians are required to have “tail” insurance for around 20 years after the date of the LAST delivery they are involved in. Each state has its own satute of limitations, but the average for most state laws is 2 years from the time of the discovery of the injury. The statute of limitations for MINORS in most states doesn’t start until the minor reaches the age of 18. Yearly malpractice premiums for Ob/Gyns range from around $35,000/year in Missouri to over $150,000/year in New York. In other words, you can sue your OB for malpractice when your baby is 17 years old. The OB has to continue malpractice coverage (costs less and less each year after discontinuing practicing obstetrics, but still…) for many years after they retire from obstetrics.</p>
<p>Your OB may be making so little money on each normal pregnancy and delivery, and the liability is so high, that he or she may very well discontinue providing OB services. This all adds to our inability to find physicians, and the rising costs of health care.</p>