New malpractice insurance rate filed

Tuesday, July 1, 2003 | 9:21 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- A company that writes medical malpractice insurance coverage for 120 physicians and surgeons in Clark County has asked state Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman for an average 10.8 percent increase effective Aug. 1.

American Physicians Assurance Corp. raised its rates last year by 79.4 percent.

Dr. Joe Hardy, a state assemblyman from Boulder City, said he was surprised that the increase was not higher. "This is good news," he said.

Hardy said he got news last week that a general surgeon whose insurance premium is going up to $100,000 is pulling out of his practice.

Hardy wondered whether obstetricians and surgeons might see a major hike that would be higher than the 10.8 percent. A spokeswoman for the state Insurance Division said there are a variety of rating changes that will mean some physicians will end up seeing a 12 percent increase for their coverage of $1 million per malpractice claim and a $3 million limit for the policy.

Molasky-Arman has the authority to hold a hearing if she wants additional information. A law passed by the Legislature that allows doctors to intervene to challenge medical malpractice rate increases doesn't become effective until Oct. 1.