West Virginia doctors face rising malpractice costs and coverage cuts
Beckley physicians warn rising malpractice premiums and tighter coverage threaten Beckley Community Hospital. St Pauls Insurance is dropping OB and ER coverage though PCH remains insured. Dr Robert Pulliam faces a 35 000 increase to 95 000 annual premiums for himself and 350 000 for his nine member group amid higher legal costs and lower reimbursements.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Dunmyer
St. Paul’s Insurance Company
State Insurance Commission
Beckley
Robert Pulliam
Pulliam
West Virginia
Virginia
Insurers seek higher malpractice rates in West Virginia
West Virginia doctors face steep premium increases as insurers push for higher malpractice rates amid rising lawsuit payouts. Medical Assurance of West Virginia requests a 30 percent hike, while St Paul of West Virginia already received a 15 percent rise. Officials cite higher awards, easy suing, and state laws as drivers, noting ob/gyns pay up to about $83,000 annually, far above neighboring states. Obstetricians may face premiums over $80,000 as suits linger into the child’s adulthood. Public concern over frivolous suits and reform persists, with calls for screens and caps on non economic damages.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Prud’homme
West Virginia
Frank O’neil
Medical Assurance of
Beckley
State Insurance Commission
St. Paul
Vincent King
King
Normal Siegel
Siegel
New York
State Medical Society
Virginia
Kentucky
Ohio
Pennsylvania
O’neil
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