By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – Doctors say the rising cost of medical malpractice insurance could force them to cut back services or move out of Missouri.
Several physicians testified yesterday at a public hearing requested by Governor Bob Holden and hosted by the state Insurance Department.
Holden says he wants to find out why malpractice insurance rates are rising when the number or claims in Missouri is falling.
A department statistician says although the number of claims is falling, the average cost of the claims is rising. He says that appears to be because of three factors: Rising health care costs, rising wages, and an increase in the severity of injuries.