Cures sought for ER doctor shortages
(via KevinMD)

The problem with specialist call in the ER isn't just happening in Florida (link). It's also occurring in the ER at the hospital where I work in South Jersey, and all over the country. The major problem is one of liability risk, whether real or percieved. Given the current lawsuit happy climate in this country, it's no wonder that there are decreasing numbers of specialist physicians who want to take any ER call at all. Factor in the increasing numbers of ER cases, the crappy lifestyle of adding ER coverage to on call responsibilities, and the lack of reimbursement (ie large numbers of indigent/charity care) patients, who can blame these physicians for not wanting to cover the ER. Our neurosurgeon (and we're damn lucky to have him) only covers the ER part time, and when intracranial cases come into the ER when he's not on call, they get transferred into Philly. Obviously, this poses a risk to the patient in terms of possible delays in treatment, and potential increases in morbidity and mortality. Plastics and hand surgical coverage are problematic for us also.

While nowhere near an ideal solution, payment for ER coverage by the hospital may make taking call a little more palatable. A better solution would be to decrease the legal risks in taking ER call (ie tort reform, etc), because right now the only way to avoid that risk is to avoid the ER altogether.