For the seventh straight year, med mal insurance premiums have dropped for 3 key specialties: ob/gyn, internists, and general surgeons. Rates dropped by approximately 1.5% for the specialties combined. Since 2008, rates for the 3 specialties have fallen by approximately 13%. The survey found that internists in 8 states can obtain insurance for less than $5,000. On the other end of the spectrum, ob/gyns in Nassau and Suffolk Counties in New York must pay $214,999 for a policy. One reason for the premium decline is the decline in claims per physician, regardless of outcome. Moreover the amount of awards and settlements has remained flat. Medical Liability Monitor conducted and published the survey.
