Lawyers Bite Back

If they're not liking lawyers much now, just wait 'til the Connecticut Attorney General works 'em over a little. AP (06.09.05):

"An obstetrician and gynecologist management company has been subpoenaed as part of an investigation into whether it received insurance kickbacks that artificially inflated malpractice insurance rates for Connecticut doctors, state and company officials said.

Women's Health Connecticut of Avon provides management services to more than 140 doctors and other health care providers around the state. It has been one of the most vocal supporters of a cap on awards in medical malpractice cases."

Doctors' Management Company Investigated Over Malpractice Premiums

One of the most vocal supporters of a medical malpractice law cap? Wow. Imagine that.

"Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal confirmed the subpoena was part of an investigation into whether the company profited from an illegal insurance brokerage deal that drove up premiums for unwitting doctors."

"'The price of their insurance was raised as a result of this scheme,' Blumenthal said. 'We're talking about literally hundreds of doctors who see thousands of patients for ob-gyn services.'"

Nancy Bernstein, the company's president, said they planned to comply. Like they have a choice.

Then there's the question of how much of the premium increases are attributable to insurers' losses in the bond markets from 1998 to 2001.

They'll probably fess right up to that, don't you think?