Your Doctor Will Apologize Now: Malpractice Protections In Cost-Cutting Proposal

Dr. Alice Coombs, President of the Massachusetts Medical Society, says she's particularly excited about one element of the governor's health care cost-cutting plan: the part that rethinks malpractice in ways that can protect physicians from major legal woes.

The plan would encourage doctors and medical providers to apologize when they've made a mistake and then figure out a quick resolution with the victim and family — including possible compensation — thereby avoiding a big, expensive, potentially career-killing lawsuit. Here's Dr. Coombs this morning, immediately after Gov. Patrick's speech (and if you want more, see the piece today on the MMS website):