How Liability Law Affects Medical Productivity

摘要: Previous research suggests that "direct" reforms to the liability system - designed reduce level of compensation potential claimants medical expenditures without important consequences for patient health outcomes. We extend this by identifying mechanisms through which affect behavior care providers. Although we find direct improve productivity primarily reducing malpractice claims rates and conditional on a claim, our results suggest other policies time spent amount conflict involved in defending against claim can also defensive practices substantially. In addition, "malpractice pressure" has larger impact diagnostic rather than therapeutic treatment decisions. Our provide an empirical foundation simulating effects untried costs outcomes, based their predicted pressure facing