ABOUT THE ISSUES

Defining This Crisis

This crisis goes far beyond simply how much physicians have to pay for medical malpractice insurance. The true crisis is about making sure our doctors are there when we need them. Unless we solve the crisis, your doctor may not be there the next time you need life-saving medical care!

Much is being written regarding the medical liability crisis. It is also known as the medical malpractice crisis or the medical litigation crisis. Others refer to it as tort reform.

We believe the term "medical malpractice crisis" is inadequate because it only refers to the economics of malpractice insurance. It ignores the global problem of medical liability/litigation and its effect of altering access to care for all of us.

At the end of the day, we stress, this is not a crisis about malpractice or liability or litigation. It is a crisis about patient access to care.