I am a Board certified family physician and recently opened a new office in Clermont, FL, specializing in bariatric medicine. I have been practicing medicine for over 11 years in a primary care setting as well as part-time in bariatric medicine. I am also currently working as a contract physician in emergency medicine.

My bariatric office in Clermont opened for business on July 15, 2002. I was shocked and amazed at the run around and difficulties that I ran into while attempting to secure a malpractice policy prior to opening my office doors. I expected to be able to get an MPI policy with limits of $250/750K without significant problems as I have had no medical malpractice claims in the past. Despite my excellent past history, I presently have not been able to secure any malpractice coverage for my office! What started out as an offer sheet from an MPI carrier at @ $2,900/year in June of 2002 has now turned into a $16,000-$19,000 per year policy, if I can even get it. I have been waiting for a written quote from one insurance carrier since August 15, 2002, when my application was completed. I previously had applied to several malpractice carriers, all with the same response. “We do not write MPI policies in Florida anymore.” I understand that there are currently only two companies left that will even cover bariatrics in the state of Florida and that the rates have soared to four times the amounts that were quoted just one year ago.

All of this has left me wondering what I am going to do with this situation. I am largely in a situation of possibly not being able to get MPI; and, if I can get it, I am going to pay outrageously inflated rates for minimal coverage. This is an unacceptable situation, and has left me completely frustrated! Something has got to change and soon; otherwise, Florida will experience a mass exodus of well qualified primary care doctors which will negatively impact health care in this state.

Sincerely,



Robert L Bartemus, DO
Clermont