Dramatic changes follow Texas medical malpractice tort reform
by Alan J. Ortbals -- May 2005, Southwestern Illinois Health Care Issue

In the past 18 months, the number of medical malpractice cases filed in the state of Texas has been cut in
half. The number of practicing doctors is up.
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Gateway Regional Medical Center plans new hospital in Madison County
by Alan J. Ortbals -- May 2005, Southwestern Illinois Health Care Issue

Bucking the trend of runaway medical malpractice premiums and an exodus of physicians, Gateway Regional
Medical Center in Granite City is planning a new hospital near the intersection of Illinois Interstates 255 and 270.
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Attorneys, insurers, physicians point fingers over medical mal
by Alan J. Ortbals -- May 2004, Southwestern Illinois Industry Leaders Issue

Illinois trial lawyers and the Illinois State Medical Inter-insurance Exchange are locked in a struggle for
the hearts and minds of Illinois legislators, with the future of medical services in Illinois at stake.
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Medical malpractice crisis drives a dozen insurance carriers out of Illinois
by Alan J. Ortbals -- May 2004, Southwestern Illinois Industry Leaders Issue

The governor, Illinois trial lawyers and victims' rights groups all point to the insurance industry as the
primary cause for Illinois' medical malpractice insurance crisis.
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Legislators consider raising the bar on malpractice suits
by Alan J. Ortbals -- May 2004, Southwestern Illinois Industry Leaders Issue

Lobbyists representing doctors, lawyers, hospitals and the insurance industry are arguing before an Illinois
Senate ad hoc committee about the medical malpractice insurance crisis in an effort to mold legislation to their liking.
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Admitting fault up front saves money long term, study shows
by Kerry L .Smith -- May 2004, Southwestern Illinois Industry Leaders Issue

To err is human, but to voluntarily communicate that error to grieving relatives after a medical procedure
has gone awry - rather than heeding the hospital attorney's advice to close the books and avoid the questions - has proven to
pay dividends in the form of reduced anger and much lower financial settlements.
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Unpredictability fuels continued medical liability insurance crisis
by Kerry L. Smith -- December 2003, Southern Illinois Human Resources Issue

With those who argue that "greedy" insurance companies are to blame for soaring physician malpractice
insurance premiums, the Illinois Hospital Association begs to differ. Unpredictable verdicts and pre-trial settlements are
driving these insurance agencies - many of them nonprofit co-ops funded by the very physicians who are insured by them.
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Alzheimer's high cost for businesses
by Lisa Vazzi Sciranko -- July 2002, Healthcare Issue

Alzheimer's disease is one of the leading causes of emotional and financial devastation, costing U.S.
companies billions of dollars in the workplace.
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Heart surgery and procedures pump up in Illinois facilities
by Vicki Bennington -- July 2002, Healthcare Issue

Heart surgery, heart treatments and heart surgery preventative measures have made great strides in recent
years. Hospitals and institutes have popped up that provide a full range of heart services, from diagnostics to interventional
to surgery and implants.
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