Brian Chen1, Cole Chapman2, Sarah Bauer Floyd3, John Mobley4, John Brooks5. 1. Department of Health Services Policy and Management, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street Suite 354, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA. bchen@mailbox.sc.edu. 2. Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, University of Iowa, 345 CPB, 180 South Grand Ave, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA. 3. College of Behavioral, Social and Health Sciences, Clemson University, 116 Edwards Hall, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA. 4. University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville , 607 Grove Rd, SC, 29605, Greenville, USA. 5. Department of Health Services Policy and Management, University of South Carolina, 915 Greene Street Suite 302, Columbia, SC, 29205, USA.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: How much does the medical malpractice system affect treatment decisions in orthopaedics? To further this inquiry, we sought to assess whether malpractice liability is associated with differences in surgery rates among elderly orthopaedic patients. METHODS: Medicare data were obtained for patients with a rotator cuff tear or proximal humerus fracture in 2011. Multivariate regressions were used to assess whether the probability of surgery is associated with various state-level rules that increase or decrease malpractice liability risks. RESULTS: Study results indicate that lower liability is associated with higher surgery rates. States with joint and several liability, caps on punitive damages, and punitive evidence rule had surgery rates that were respectively 5%-, 1%-, and 1%-point higher for rotator cuff tears, and 2%-, 2%- and 1%-point higher for proximal humerus fractures. Conversely, greater liability is associated with lower surgery rates, respectively 6%- and 9%-points lower for rotator cuff patients in states with comparative negligence and pure comparative negligence. CONCLUSIONS: Medical malpractice liability is associated with orthopaedic treatment choices. Future research should investigate whether treatment differences result in health outcome changes to assess the costs and benefits of the medical liability system.
BACKGROUND: How much does the medical malpractice system affect treatment decisions in orthopaedics? To further this inquiry, we sought to assess whether malpractice liability is associated with differences in surgery rates among elderly orthopaedic patients. METHODS: Medicare data were obtained for patients with a rotator cuff tear or proximal humerus fracture in 2011. Multivariate regressions were used to assess whether the probability of surgery is associated with various state-level rules that increase or decrease malpractice liability risks. RESULTS: Study results indicate that lower liability is associated with higher surgery rates. States with joint and several liability, caps on punitive damages, and punitive evidence rule had surgery rates that were respectively 5%-, 1%-, and 1%-point higher for rotator cuff tears, and 2%-, 2%- and 1%-point higher for proximal humerus fractures. Conversely, greater liability is associated with lower surgery rates, respectively 6%- and 9%-points lower for rotator cuff patients in states with comparative negligence and pure comparative negligence. CONCLUSIONS: Medical malpractice liability is associated with orthopaedic treatment choices. Future research should investigate whether treatment differences result in health outcome changes to assess the costs and benefits of the medical liability system.
Entities:
Keywords:
Defensive medicine; Medical malpractice; Medicare; Orthopaedics
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