Wisconsin Doctors Want to Keep $250 Million Malpractice Fund

Fair

Temp: 22.0 F (-5.6 C)

Wind Chill: 12 F (-11 C)

More Weather

Wausau Downtown Airport, WI

Back to HomePage
Updated: 4:46 AM Aug 27, 2008 Wisconsin Doctors Want to Keep $250 Million Malpractice Fund Wisconsin doctors are in court to keep a $200 million medical malpractice fund for injured patients and families. Posted: 7:12 PM Aug 26, 2008 Reporter: Julia Fello Email Address: jfello@wsaw.com

Font Size:

Medical Society President Dr. Steven Bergin says that the lawmakers decision to take a $200 million from a medical malpractice fund for injured patients and families is wrong. Lawmakers have decided to use the money for medical care for the poor and elderly instead.

The Injured Patient and Family Compensation Fund pays for any doctor's malpractice suit exceeding $1 million. Both sides were in Dane County Circuit Court Monday arguing both sides for two hours. Dr. Bergin explained that the fund is important for all doctors in the state of Wisconsin, "It's a key element to the overall high quality of health system that exists in this state, and it has also contributed to overall low cost as a result, and has also allowed us to recruit and retain high quality physicians."

Judge Michael Nowakowski is expected to make a final decision on the case in about two to four weeks.

Latest Comments

Posted by: Bob Location: merrill on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:54 PM

Very interesting report from the new reporter - hope the doctors stay the course. Wish the report was longer - that reporter did a great job.

Posted by: laura Location: stevens point on Aug 27, 2008 at 03:33 PM

Julia Fello's report was very informative will we have a follow-up to find out what will happen to our doctors. We will lose them if malpractice costs sky rocket!

Click here to post or read all 2 comments.