HPM Seminar Series

Caitlin Carroll, PhD
Assistant Professor
Division of Health Policy & Management

Abstract: A substantial literature has studied the influence of malpractice pressure on physician behavior. However, these studies generally focus on variation in state laws governing malpractice exposure. In this project, we test how physicians respond to malpractice allegations made against them. Our sample is Emergency Department physicians in Florida, where we have the universe of data on patients and how they are treated along with a census of malpractice complaints. We find that physicians oversee fewer discharges after malpractice allegations but treat each discharge more expensively after an allegation. These effects are true for both allegations that result in money paid and allegations which are dropped. Further, the increase in treatment is not limited to patients with conditions similar to what the physician is sued for. The results thus suggest significant, if modest, generalized impacts of malpractice claims on medical practice.

Light refreshments served. Everyone is invited to attend this seminar.

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