Obstetrical practices of members of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians.

Data reported from this survey of the members of the Kansas Academy of Family Physicians indicate that members performing obstetrics are paying significantly higher professional liability premiums than members not providing such services. This difference, as well as the overall escalating costs of professional liability insurance, can be expected to result in loss of family physician-provided obstetrical services. As family physicians are providing the only readily available obstetrical services in a substantial number of rural areas, it seems likely that rural areas will experience a significant loss of access to obstetrical care. Although delivery fees have risen, they have not risen at the same rate as premiums. A net loss of family physicians providing obstetrical services has been noted during the period of 1985-88, and such losses appear to be an accelerating future trend.