More doctors closing down

Stacy J. Willis

Thursday, May 16, 2002 | 10:54 a.m.

The number of physicians who have closed their practices or are "strongly considering" closing their practices in Nevada has risen to 117, the state's largest doctors' group reported this week.

That number rose from 71 one month ago -- pointing to a trend doctors say will worsen this summer as physicians renew their medical malpractice insurance policies and are asked to ante up higher rates.

According to a Nevada State Medical Association memo sent to Gov. Kenny Guinn's office Tuesday, 27 of those physicians are obstetricians, 15 are emergency room physicians and 14 are general surgeons -- high-risk specialties in great demand in Las Vegas.

"I have not been able to compile a complete list of physicians who have restricted their practices," Larry Matheis, executive director of the association, wrote in his letter to the governor's staff. "This is undoubtedly not a complete list."

Eighteen of the 117 reporting physicians said that as of May 13 they had already closed their offices "either temporarily or permanently," and another 13 said they had retired early because of the financial pinch caused by high malpractice insurance rates.

Nine reported they are "in the process" of closing their Nevada practice and the remaining 78 reported they are "seriously considering closure."

Of the 117 physicians, 77, or 65.8 percent, said they have had no malpractice settlements or adverse court decisions.

The Nevada State Medical Association represents about 1,500 of the state's 4,000 licensed physicians.

One major concern among Las Vegas health care providers is whether trauma surgeons will continue to offer their on-call services to University Medical Center, the area's only level one trauma center.

Dr. Darren Soong gave his notice to leave UMC Wednesday -- saying the rise in medical malpractice rates makes it too expensive for him to continue to work for UMC.