PrintPrintThe state’s low cost of living, coupled with a relatively friendly malpractice climate and low payouts for malpractice lawsuits, makes it an attractive place for medical doctors to work, according to a report by Physicians Practice.
Staff Report
Published Oct. 22, 2012
South Carolina was ranked as one of the best states to be a practicing physician by Physicians Practice's 2012 Best States to Practice project, a data-driven ranking of the states based on the climate for practicing physicians.
The Palmetto State was cited for its low cost of living, tax burden and business costs. The study also cited the state medical board’s low rate of disciplinary actions of 1.33 per 1,000 physicians.
The state’s ratio of 229.8 physicians for every 100,000 residents is one of the lowest in the nation. The national average is 255.8 physicians for every 100,000.
South Carolina also has a relatively friendly malpractice climate that includes low premiums for malpractice insurance and lawsuit award payouts, the publication said.
Other states rated along with South Carolina were Idaho, Alabama, Texas and Nevada.
The report ranked the states and the District of Columbia using six metrics that are important to physicians, including cost of living, tax burden and the climate for malpractice litigation.
"When deciding where to practice, doctors must ultimately decide which factors are most important to themselves and their families," said Bob Keaveney, editorial director of Physicians Practice. "The Best States to Practice is meant as a starting point in that process. We're also hoping that policymakers in the lower-ranking states will take notice, and ask whether their unfriendly business climate for physicians is in the best interest of their citizens."
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