Malpractice premium expenses: another "crisis" and its implications.

The continuing increase in malpractice claims, the severity of these claims, and onerous insurance premiums are contributing to the persistent crisis in this area. It is unclear whether there will be another general withdrawal of insurance availability. Rather, it seems more likely that problems will be isolated in certain geographical areas and among certain specialties. There is a high probability that physicians will selectively withdraw certain services in general or for specific patient groups. Data strongly indicate that certain subgroups of physicians such as obstetricians, younger doctors in general, and those in nonsolo practice are currently bearing more of the increased costs than some of their colleagues. Clearly, those in certain states are also differentially and adversely impacted.