Patients can blame the reimbursement system and malpractice environment for the lack of specialists in the ER:
The new study found several reasons why specialists avoid taking call. Many physicians are shifting focus from hospitals to their practices and outpatient facilities as more procedures are done outside of hospitals. Treating ED patients takes time and money away from office practices . . .
. . . Specialists also are concerned that providing ED treatment raises their liability exposure, the study said. In addition, many doctors believe payment for on-call care is inadequate.
