Board Member Profile:
William E. Kobler, M.D.
William E. Kobler, M.D., is a family practice physician and has served on the ISMIE Mutual Board of Directors since 2002. He is a past president and current trustee-at-large of ISMS. Dr. Kobler has been a member of the Winnebago County Medical Society since 1978, and has also served as its president. He has served as a delegate to the American Medical Association since 2000, and currently serves on several of its committees. Dr. Kobler is a clinical assistant professor of family practice at UIC College of Medicine, Rockford.
As Tort Reform Heats Up, Doctors Must Play a Role
to Preserve Their Practices
Dr. Kobler, you’ve met and talked with doctors across Illinois. What are their top concerns?
Tort reform is at the top of the list for Illinois physicians, and economic pressures are also a serious problem. The cost of medical practice continues to rise as reimbursement stagnates or falls. Add to this the increased requirements from the government, managed care, and others, and it’s clear that the viability of medical practice is in jeopardy. Patients in many areas of the state have been hit hard by “physician flight” and dwindling access to primary and specialty care.
How can physicians most effectively bring needed visibility to the issue of patient access to health care?
We need the help of every doctor and patient in this state to accomplish reform of the tort liability system. Doctors must stay current on proposed legislation and continue their conversations with patients and legislators. Physicians should use the new “Reality Medicine” materials regularly to engage their patients. Polls demonstrate they overwhelmingly support us on this issue.
This spring ISMIE Mutual participated in judicial committee hearings in Springfield to bring clarity to the medical litigation crisis for the benefit of physicians and patients. Why is it important for ISMIE Mutual to be part of this process?
Though our opponents point to ISMIE Mutual as being the problem, we know that high insurance premiums are a symptom – not the problem. If not for ISMIE, 60 percent of this state’s physicians would not have liability insurance. Unfortunately, the climate is so bad that this company – created, owned and run by its physician policyholders – has been unable to write new policies for over two years due to the high cost of reserves for new business. ISMIE needs to be at the forefront of public discussions. Where are the other companies in this battle? Nowhere! Their concern is for profits. ISMIE Mutual cares about physicians and patient access to health care services.
How will the ISMIE Mutual and ISMS-supported legislation fare this session in Springfield?
While one can never predict the agaries of the legislative process, I believe there is reason for optimism. We have fought for tort reform for almost 30 years, and we will continue this effort. The only question is, how many people will fall victim to decreased access to health care services and even die before our elected officials understand the gravity of this problem? This is not a battle between doctors and lawyers; this is a fight for survival of the best health care system this world has ever known. The people of this state and country understand this. They helped elect Judge Karmeier to the Illinois State Supreme Court and unseated some opponents in the general assembly in many states, Illinois among them, and in Washington, D.C. Sooner or later politicians will understand that the electorate will not continue to support them when their access to medical care is disappearing.
Managing practice risk is an ongoing challenge for physicians. Do you have advice for Illinois physicians regarding this?
Managing risk is not an event; it is an everyday necessity that must become second nature. ISMIE Mutual’s “Managing Risk” program offers wonderful options to help physicians learn about the problems and begin to address the solutions.
Why is it important for policyholders to vote in the upcoming ISMIE Mutual board elections?
We must take this responsibility seriously and vote for those who we feel are most qualified for the job. As one of the board members up for re-election, I have learned much during my tenure. If I am re-elected, I will use and build on this knowledge.
I encourage my fellow policyholders to study the candidates’ biographical information. Talk to them about their views on the issues. Cast your vote and be represented. ISMIE Mutual is your company. Support it by your vote!