Malpractice litigation and medical costs in Mississippi
研究密西西比州医疗事故诉讼水平对地区医疗成本的影响，发现人均医疗支出与诉讼发生率正相关，可能源于医生的防御性医疗行为，最高可增加25%的成本。
This paper examines the impact of varying levels of malpractice litigation on area medical costs. Using a fixed-effects model and Medicare Part B as the dependent variable, the results indicate that per enrollee medical expenditures are positively related to the incidence of medical malpractice lawsuits. The higher cost is presumed to be attributable to 'defensive practices' by area physicians based on varying degrees of perceived risk. The results suggest the addition to cost is substantial, possibly adding up to 25% in some jurisdictions with the impact exceeding annual dollar amounts of malpractice judgments and settlements.