Managed care interface
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This study was undertaken to determine the incidence and economic cost of hypoglycemia in patients with diabetes taking insulin in a large mid-western health plan. Analysis of claims data identified 7,659 members with a diagnostic code for either type 1 or type 2 diabetes during a seven-year interval from 1992 to 1998. ⋯ The mean cost per episode was $1,186 (range, $181-$4,924) or $7.04 per patient per month. Although the financial burden is smaller than that of late complications of diabetes, hypoglycemia associated with insulin therapy is associated with significant costs to the health care system.
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The medical malpractice liability crisis has resulted in soaring liability costs, the closing of major malpractice insurance companies, and many doctors abandoning the performance of high-risk procedures or medical practice altogether. The article explores how medical malpractice liability was addressed in the State of Pennsylvania, as well as recent attempts at tort reform by the federal government.