Medical malpractice rates drop for anesthesiologists

Wednesday, May 14, 2003 | 9:55 a.m.

SUN CAPITAL BUREAU

CARSON CITY -- Medical malpractice rates for the 12 anesthesiologists in Clark County who are insured by Medical Liability Association of Nevada are going down 34 percent.

State Insurance Commissioner Alice Molasky-Arman said Tuesday the "technological advancements in the anesthesiology field in recent years lead to fewer errors, which was recognized by the market to lower rates.

"It also shows a willingness by insurers to reconsider the appropriacy of rates due to recently enacted legislation and its expected results," she said.

The new rates are based on analysis of anesthesiology rates relative to general practice and internal medicine rates in Nevada and other locations.

Milliman USA Inc. conducted the study that showed the rates of the Medical Liability Association was charging for anesthesiologists were very high compared with the general practice and internal medicine classifications.

The association was created by Gov. Kenny Guinn during the medical malpractice insurance crisis to offer policies.