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The report broke out best and worst states in each geographic region:
Southwest and south central region
Best state: Utah, with a high rate of employer-provided insurance and low instance of serious state board medical action. However, regional physician compensation rates are low.
Worst state: Arizona where there are high malpractice premiums and a low percentage of employer-sponsored coverage.
West and northwest region
Best state: Idaho, where physicians are needed and the cost of liability insurance is low. However, the state's top insurers control around 75 percent of the market.
Worst state: Alaska, where there is a high cost of living and one dominant insurer.
Southeast region
Best state: Georgia, where there is favorable compensation and a growing population, and the insurance market is competitive. However, there is a high percentage of uninsured and unemployed in the state.
Worst state: Florida where there are high malpractice premiums, unemployment rates and foreclosures, and the environment is highly litigious.
Mid-Atlantic region
Best state: Virginia, with a low cost of living and over half of the population is insured. However, there is one dominant insurer and low physician compensation in the region.
Worst state: Washington, DC, with a high poverty rate, cost of living and physician density.
Great lakes and north central region
Best state: South Dakota, with low malpractice costs and competitive insurance market. There is also no state income tax. However, there is a high percentage of actions against physicians.
Worst state: Illinois, with high practice expenses and a Supreme Court that overturned malpractice reform legislation.
Northeast region
Best state: New Hampshire, with a high percentage of employer sponsored coverage, no sales or income tax and a low density of physicians. However, the region has low physician compensation.
Worst state: Connecticut, with high malpractice premiums, a dominant insurer and low physician compensation.
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