Malpractice fees double for Ontario's ob/gyns

The Canadian Medical Protective Association warned last spring that some physicians in Ontario faced huge increases in their malpractice insurance fees (see CMAJ 2000;163[2]:201). It wasn't lying. When the CMPA set its 2001 fees late last month, Ontario obstetricians learned that their fees will double next year, rising from $31 404 to $60 372. Ontario's other surgical specialties also face significant increases, with fees for neurosurgeons rising from $27 900 to $42 264. (Taxpayers, not doctors, will cover the cost of the increase. OMA President Albert Schumacher notes that obstetricians will pay only their 1986 rate — $4900 — with the province paying the remaining $55 472.) The story in much different in other parts of the country. Quebec obstetricians now pay only $13 944 a year for their malpractice protection, while obstetricians in the rest of the country pay $27 348. The changes result from regional rating, the CMPA's attempt to link fees to the medicolegal climate in its 3 regions. Since Ontario courts are by far the most generous in awarding patients following medical misadventures, the province's doctors face the highest CMPA fees. More bad news in probably on the way in Ontario. The CMPA noted that this year's increases in the province were “tempered” because of credits applied by the association. When these disappear in 2004, “Ontario members may be faced with markedly higher fees.”

On Nov. 1, CMPA spokesperson Françoise Parent said the association had not received any feedback. “No one has said this is great or this is not so great, but the billing package only went out to members this week. If we're going to hear, we'll hear after they get it.” —