Summary Of The Medical Malpractice Myth By Tom Baker

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The Medical Malpractice Myth is a book by Tom Baker that discusses the research findings relating to medical malpractice. Baker’s purpose for writing this piece is to reveal the discrepancies between people’s perceptions of the myth and its realities. He questions whether or not malpractice lawsuits or medical malpractice itself is the problem. Baker argues that disputes presented in the medical malpractice myth are not the issues that people should be concerned about. Throughout the book, Baker compares medical malpractice incidents to other circumstances that could require litigation. He cites, To Err Is Human, which examines medical malpractice versus auto and workplace accidents and finds that 100,000 people die from medical malpractice …show more content…

In his first key concept, he clarifies that medical malpractice itself is a much bigger problem than the few lawsuits it results in. For the amount of malpractice that goes on, the number of lawsuits being filed is very low. He also discredits the recent “surge” in malpractice suits as being an effect of large insurance premiums. Insurance prices have a continual “boom-and-bust” cycle which is why premiums can fluctuate from high to low (Baker 45). Baker then provides evidence against the assumption that patients will sue for the most insignificant details and cause doctors and hospitals time and money. Many distressed medical malpractice victims and their families simply want to get to the bottom of what happened to them or their loved one and drop suits if there is evidence of no wrong …show more content…

These lawsuits can bring to light malpractice that may be taking place and also contribute information that would not be available otherwise. Baker then proves that defensive medicine is not a leading cause of high health care costs in the United States. He maintains that defensive medicine has very little impact on the health care system and many other extraneous procedures cost much more. Lastly, Baker disputes the fact that an abundance of malpractice lawsuits and high insurance costs are prohibiting Americans from receiving the care they need. He discredits this by clarifying that the number of doctors in practice today is higher than ever before. Baker also advocates for research-based reform to make getting information easier for both parties

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