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Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 11:30:31 AM

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When Sam Houston was still hanging his hat in Tennessee in the 1830s, it wasn't uncommon for fellow Tennesseans who were packing up and moving south and west to hang a sign on their cabins that read "GTT" – Gone to Texas.

Today obstetricians, surgeons and other doctors might consider reviving the practice. Over the past three years, some 7,000 M.D.s have flooded into Texas, many from Tennessee.

Why? Two words: Tort reform.

In 2003 and in 2005, Texas enacted a series of reforms to the state's civil justice system. They are stunning in their success. Texas Medical Liability Trust, one of the largest malpractice insurance companies in the state, has slashed its premiums by 35%, saving doctors some $217 million over four years. There is also a competitive malpractice insurance industry in Texas, with over 30 companies competing for business. This is driving rates down.

The result is an influx of doctors so great that recently the State Board of Medical Examiners couldn't process all the new medical-license applications quickly enough. The board faced a backlog of 3,000 applications. To handle the extra workload, the legislature rushed through an emergency appropriation last year.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB121097874071799863.html?mod=opinion_main_commentaries

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 11:55:23 AM

popeye1250

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Well then that's good for the people of Texas.
With the new influx of Doctors that'll push down their rates and make going to see a Doctor more affordable for more people.

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 12:01:01 PM

faerytattoodgirl

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so..if you have a dr..that is like out of the texas chainsaw massacre...

they wont lose money for mal practice....hmmm...

free butchering!

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 3:07:18 PM

windchymes

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Are ya listening, other states???

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 3:22:25 PM

kiwisub12

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Hurray for Texas. I work with doctors whose malpractise insurance is more than what i make in a year. and i am not underpaid.

Instead of the lawyers running the country, perhapes common sense will have a turn.
Honestly, for pain and suffering that doesn't stop you from working, should you get more than $250,000 ? Somewhere there has to be a sensible cap, and if this amount works for Texas, maybe it will for the rest of the states. And class action suits! I am so tired of lawyers making millions while the people who were "damaged" get thousands. I see ads in newpapers and on the tv at least every month from a lawyer looking for clients so they can sue the "deep pockets". Of course the media doesn't help - silicon breast implants - don't cause multipe ailments - never been proved in multiple studies - but the media caused such a frenzy that the government stuck their nose in where they know nothing.
All in all, the legal system is ripe for overhauling.

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 3:44:41 PM

Smith117

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I saw a news piece here with people whining about their lawsuit money being limited, but they glossed over the fact that the people weren't actually out any monetary damages, only "pain and suffering" which is where the lawsuits got wildly out of control in the first place. It's still just as easy to recoup monetary damages, if they exist. But now you can't claim "I was traumatized, I need 50 million!" Because it just ain't gonna happen.

< Message edited by Smith117 -- 5/17/2008 3:45:20 PM >

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 5:43:35 PM

DomAviator

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LOL We need more doctors in Texas like I need an asshole in the middle of my forehead. Here in Houston you cant drive two blocks in any business district without seeing a doctors office. They are already in a price war on "how cheap can you get"... Plus, we have a zillion other sources of medical care. There are nurse practicioner or PA run clinics in Walgreens Stores, Walmart Stores, HEB Supermarkets... No appointment needed, walk in 8 am to 8pm, if its busy they will give you a pager for while you shop.... (Like resteraunts have for when you wait for a table) PLUS Texas law allows Pharmacists to give most vaccinations so if you want to get your kids their MMR shots etc, you dont need to go to the pediatrician you can get it in the Walgreens. I got my yellow fever, diptheria, Hepatitis B, teatnus booster, and flu shot in walgreens for under $50.... I can go get a chlosterol screen and blood glucose check in walgreens for $7.50.

Don't get me wrong tort reform is great... But these doctors are flocking to a place where they just might find themselves looking for side gigs at McDonalds...

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 6:11:59 PM

Smith117

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quote:

ORIGINAL: DomAviator

LOL We need more doctors in Texas like I need an asshole in the middle of my forehead. Here in Houston you cant drive two blocks in any business district without seeing a doctors office. They are already in a price war on "how cheap can you get"... Plus, we have a zillion other sources of medical care. There are nurse practicioner or PA run clinics in Walgreens Stores, Walmart Stores, HEB Supermarkets... No appointment needed, walk in 8 am to 8pm, if its busy they will give you a pager for while you shop.... (Like resteraunts have for when you wait for a table) PLUS Texas law allows Pharmacists to give most vaccinations so if you want to get your kids their MMR shots etc, you dont need to go to the pediatrician you can get it in the Walgreens. I got my yellow fever, diptheria, Hepatitis B, teatnus booster, and flu shot in walgreens for under $50.... I can go get a chlosterol screen and blood glucose check in walgreens for $7.50.

Don't get me wrong tort reform is great... But these doctors are flocking to a place where they just might find themselves looking for side gigs at McDonalds...

It aint' like that up here in Dallas. I had to pay $200 just to find out I *didn't have* strep. Then I got a $50 prescription and proceeded to continue missing a week of work.

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 6:29:30 PM

DomAviator

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Bummer... You sure you havent checked out for places like those I describe:

Check out this link http://www.rediclinic.com/houston.asp Thats the ones in the HEB supermarkets in Houston.

These are in CVS stores in Dallas http://www.minuteclinic.com/en/USA/TX/Dallas/Clinics.aspx

They have the shots etc at most walgreens much cheaper. I have great health insurance but tend to go to these places either cause its cheaper than the copay and I can get it now with no appointment on a walkin basis when I feel like it... As in Oh shit, while Im buying cigs I might as well get my flu shot...

When I get an Rx from my doctor or dentist I usually have it filled at Walmart though... Most things there are only $4 which is less than my $5 per Rx copay LOL. I had some dental surgery recently and all the prescriptions cost me less than $13 at walmart. (Antibiotics, painkiller, sedative, and antibacterial mouthwash...)

< Message edited by DomAviator -- 5/17/2008 6:32:26 PM >

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RE: Why doctors are heading to Texas - 5/17/2008 6:58:36 PM

corsetgirl

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