The May 19 article "Neurosurgeons in short supply" did an excellent job pointing out the effect of soaring insurance rates on neurosurgeons and other specialists.
Consumers/patients should be aware these costs have risen dramatically for all physicians, not only a few. These higher costs, largely the result of lawsuits, are affecting the cost of and access to basic health care. The truth is that over half of all medical malpractice cases are closed without any action against the doctor. This means that many of the cases had no merit to begin with.
Fighting even a baseless lawsuit costs money and time. And time spent in the courtroom is time the doctor isn't spending in the examination room.
Next time those who doubt a lawsuit abuse problem exists need medical care, they should hope their own doctor isn't tied up in the courtroom or been forced out of business.

Bill Summers
President
Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse
Which of these is the main point of the letter writer's argument?
A.
Neurosurgeons are in short supply.
B.
Over half of the doctors that are sued are innocent of any wrongdoing.
C.
Most doctors do not spend enough time examining patients.
D.
Doctors and patients are suffering from unnecessary lawsuits.