Most Doctors Face a Malpractice Claim by Age 65 : There's little evidence that proves tort reform measures are lowering health care costs.

Texas hospitals can now redirect liability funds to improving care, like funding electronic health records. Physicians can invest in their practices, and provide more charity care as well. The change has also brought thousands of doctors to Texas and improved access to quality care. As family practitioners face high overhead costs and low reimbursement rates, just saving on medical liability has allowed some doctors to continue their work where otherwise they may not have been able to.

BRUCE MALONE, M.D., is the president of the Texas Medical Association and a practicing orthopedic surgeon at the Austin Bone and Joint Clinic in Austin.

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