Anonymous. (2002). Making end-of-life decisions ahead of time. Tufts University Health & Nutrition Letter, 20(7), 4-5. A living will records in writing what certain medical care he or she would like in order to sustain life. This document also serves as a guide to the patient’s values and preferences in medical care for the provider and the patient’s family. A living will legally spells out the patients desire to live as long as possible, or to allow death to occur. In the absence of these documents, it is up to the patient’s provider and immediate family to determine their wishes. When the two parties are unable to agree, the court must decide the matter. This source gives definitions and explanations for the living will, health care proxy, and other legally binding advanced healthcare directives.

Armstrong, J. (2002). Malpractice rates leading doctors to drop coverage. Physician’s Financial News, 20(7), 10. With the cost of malpractice insurance rising, and provider compensation falling, many providers are finding themselves stuck between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, the providers need malpractice insurance. But, on

Greve, Jr., P.A.. (2002). Anticipating and controlling rising malpractice insurance costs. Healthcare Financial Management, 56(5), 50-55. Studies show the increasing occurrence of large jury awards and settlements in medical malpractice cases over the years. Analysts expect this trend to continue. Most major insurance programs have experienced increasing loss ratios, also. Providers have been forced to pay more for their coverage due to increasing insurance premiums. Some insurance companies no longer offer malpractice insurance because of the high costs related to the field. Providers are also finding it difficult, or nearly impossible to negotiate premium price breaks for the upcoming years. Providers are finding that it is their responsibility to take precautions against malpractice in order to control their expenses. This source discusses precautionary methods that providers are choosing to take in attempts to avoid malpractice suits.

Orentlicher, D. (2001). Matters of life and death: making moral theory work in medicine and the law. Medscape General Medicine, 4(3), 166-168. This is a review that of Orentlicher’s book in which he states that moral theory might not always lead to clear answers for policy making. Orentlicher is a physician, lawyer, and ethicist who teaches and writes about bioethics. In his book he comments on three moral concerns that should apply to public policy about life-and-death medical issues. This source comments on the use of living wills and other advance directives. It states that it can help avoid the possibility of personal discretion and governmental intrusiveness being involved in decision making on the behalf of another.

Rubsamen, M.D., D. (2002). Malpractice focus: how California reined in malpractice costs. Physician’s Financial News, 20(1), 17. California used to be a leader in medical malpractice incidents and losses. The claims were their highest in 1973, but have improved greatly. California is now sitting steady in the middle of the pack. What is it that turned the state around?

Some topics in this essay:
Financial Management, Physician’s Financial, Nutrition Letter, Medical Ethics, Medscape Medicine, Reform Act, Medical Journal, Respondeat Superior, Rubsamen MD, Jr PA, malpractice insurance, medical malpractice, physician’s financial, providers finding, malpractice insurance costs, provider expenses, respondeat superior, malpractice payouts, medical care, premiums rising, attempts avoid,