Does your doctor make you sign an arbitration agreement before treatment?

[RadicalMom]

Went to an orthopedist today and they insist that all of their patients agree to arbitration, and are prohibited from suing if they screw you up. I have had a variety of medical problems, unfortunately,in the past five years, and this is the first time I've ever been told to sign that, or else. So, we refused to sign it, and left. I'm going to research the other ortho doctors in this area, before I'll sign any agreement. I'm assuming this is a malpractice insurance issue, but has it become mandatory?

[Liberal In Texas]

1. He wouldn't be my doctor. Case closed.

[Nicole]

3. agreed n/t

[Seabiscuit]

2. It's not mandatory. Some doctors do this, others don't.

Many use them only where surgery is involved.

Even though agreeing to arbitration prevents a lawsuit in court, if you have a claim you may be better off in arbitration anyway - you may achieve the same or similar result without spending all the time and money it takes to bring a malpractice suit, which is quite expensive, considering you need to pay expert witnesses several hundred dollars an hour both at deposition and at trial in a lawsuit.

[Liberal In Texas]

5. So, don't sign your rights away. Refuse this BS.

If there is no malpractice, no lawsuit.

If there is, and you have to defend yourself (as a doc) yep. It cost $.

That's what I do for a living. Depositons on video tape. I charge a lot. I have good equipment.

[RadicalMom]

4. Sorry this post duplicated itself. I don't know how to fix that.

Maybe I should suggest if you wish to post, you might go to the duplicate one, adlet this one gie off. Thanks for your responses, though.