The Columbus Dispatch features an article on patients who have been "fired" by their physicians. "Patients fire doctors regularly. But it is much rarer, medical and legal professionals say, for doctors to end professional relationships." The most common reason for patients being fired is noncompliance with treatment. In Ohio, physicians can fire a patient if they give the patient "30 days notice and be willing to help refer them to another practice." (Source: "Firing patients unusual, but legal," Oct. 7, 2007.)
Texas is reporting a surge in physicians relocating to that state after "voters approved a constitutional amendment limiting awards in medical malpractice lawsuits," with these new doctors bringing health care to some long-underserved rural areas. The new physicians have "flooded the medical board's offices in Austin with applications for licenses, close to 2,500 at last count." However, some experts question how big a role the malpractice cap has played in this change and worry that patients may be more vulnerable as doctors who face reduced malpractice exposure "cut back on their insurance, making it harder for plaintiffs to collect damages." (Source: "More Doctors in Texas After Malpractice Caps" NY Times, Oct. 5, 2007.)
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