Updated

Sunday, March 18 at 9 p.m ET and 12 a.m. ET
Hosted by Linda Vester

The fear of medical malpractice suits has had a devastating effect on patient care.

Lawsuits have changed how doctors treat patients in this country, and  — in some cases — even if they will.

Americans spent $25 billion in 2002 on medical malpractice lawsuits. Who paid for this? Initially, the insurance companies, but their bills were passed on to doctors in the form of higher premiums.

Now, medical liability insurance is so expensive, many doctors cannot afford it and have quit practicing medicine altogether.

That means the next time you are rushed to the hospital, there might not be a doctor available to save you. And the patients most at risk are our children.

"Why Doctors Quit" is another in an important series of investigative documentaries brought to you by the staff of the Fox News Channel. Don't miss it!