Buy Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance

Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance Policy Information

Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance. Medical and surgical supply stores offer a variety of surgical, medical, and dental instruments and supplies. Some also offer equipment rental, such as wheelchairs, crutches, portable oxygen, or breathing equipment. They may also offer sterilization of equipment services to physicians, surgeons, or dentists.

As a home medical equipment supplier, you provide an invaluable service. You help those who are suffering from various types of illnesses get the care medical care that they require - right in the comfort of their own home. You truly are making a difference in the lives of so many people.

However, though your service is so important and is highly respected, you do face certain legal risks, and these risks are quite unique. For example, a product could malfunction, or you could accidentally supply the wrong product. In events like these, you could be looking at serious and costly legal issues.

In order to safeguard yourself and your company from any mishaps that could occur, it is important that you have the right home medical equipment dealers insurance coverage.

Home medical equipment dealers insurance protects your DME business from lawsuits with rates as low as $57/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked home medical equipment dealer insurance questions:

• What Is Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance?
• How Much Does Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Home Medical Equipment Suppliers Need Insurance?
• What Type Insurance DME Dealers Need?
• What Does Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

DME Dealer's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure comes from slips and falls due to public access to the premises. Aisles must be adequate and free of debris with flooring in good condition with no frayed or worn spots on carpet and no cracks or holes in flooring. Steps and uneven floor surfaces should be prominently marked. Sufficient exits must be provided and be well marked with backup lighting systems in case of power failure. All goods should be kept on easily reached shelves so that customers do not pull down items on themselves.

Extra care must be taken to provide adequate aisle space and waiting areas as some customers may be sick or have impaired mobility. The rental of medical equipment can result in additional injuries to customers who already have health problems. Equipment must be inspected and maintained after each use.

Parking lots and sidewalks need to be in good repair with snow and ice removed, and generally level and free of exposure to slips and falls. If the business is open after dark, there should be adequate lighting and appropriate security for the area.

Personal injury exposure can arise from invasion of customers' privacy should confidential medical information be released to unauthorized sources. It also is from apprehending and detaining suspected shoplifters. Employees must be trained to deal with such delicate situations properly.

Products liability exposure is normally low if no rental or sterilization operations are involved. If either is done, exposure increases significantly as customers may be injured by improperly sterilized or maintained equipment.

Workers compensation exposures are from lifting which can cause back injury, hernia, sprains and strains, and from slips and falls. Employees should be provided with safety equipment, trained on proper handling techniques, and have conveying devices available to assist with heavy lifting. Shelves should be easily accessible for storage. Stepladders should be available. Housekeeping in storage areas is vital to prevent trips and falls.

In any retail business, hold-ups are possible. Employees should be trained to respond in a prescribed manner. With repair and rental reconditioning there may be exposure to machinery and welding which can result in cuts and bruises. Delivery of oxygen tanks and other equipment can result in injuries from overturn and collision. Sterilization operations can result in employees being exposed to contaminants.

Property exposures are low if ignition sources are limited to electrical wiring, heating and cooling equipment. Should a fire occur, substantial fire and water damage may result due to the sterile condition required of the supplies. In addition, the large amount of plastic items will add to the fire load.

If oxygen is kept on premises, tanks can explode. Proper storage and handling techniques must be observed. As medical equipment may be high in value, appropriate security measures must be taken, including physical barriers to prevent entrance after hours and an alarm system that reports directly to a central station or the police department.

Crime exposures are from employee dishonesty and theft of money and securities either from holdup or safe burglary. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. There must be separation of duties between persons handling deposits and disbursements and handling bank statements. Receipting, inventory monitoring, and regular auditing are important.

Money should be regularly collected from cash drawers and moved away from the collection area, preferably to a safe on premises. Bank drops should be made regularly to prevent a buildup of cash on the premises.

Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the store offers credit, computers to transact sales and monitor inventory, and valuable papers and records due to customers' vendors' records. Backup copies of all records, including computer records, should be made and stored off premises. If items are delivered to customers, goods in transit coverage will be needed.

Business auto exposure may be limited to hired and non-owned liability due to employees running errands. If delivery services are provided, all employees driving vehicles must have valid licenses and acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be regularly maintained with records kept. The transportation of oxygen tanks requires special loading and unloading. Tanks must be property secured during transport.

What Does Home Medical Equipment Dealers Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Home medical equipment dealers can be sued for various reasons, including:

Product liability: If the home medical equipment dealer sells a defective product that causes harm or injury to the user, they may be sued for product liability. Insurance can protect them by providing coverage for legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments against them.
For example, if a home medical equipment dealer sells a faulty wheelchair that collapses while in use, causing injury to the user, the dealer may be sued for product liability. If the dealer has product liability insurance, the policy can help pay for legal expenses and any damages awarded to the injured party.

Negligence: If the home medical equipment dealer fails to provide proper instructions for use or maintenance of the equipment and the user is injured as a result, they may be sued for negligence. Insurance can protect them by providing coverage for legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments against them.
For example, if a home medical equipment dealer fails to provide proper instructions for a patient lift, causing the lift to malfunction and injure the user, the dealer may be sued for negligence. If the dealer has liability insurance, the policy can help pay for legal expenses and any damages awarded to the injured party.

Breach of contract: If the home medical equipment dealer breaches a contract with a customer, such as failing to deliver equipment as promised, the customer may sue for breach of contract. Insurance can protect the dealer by providing coverage for legal defense costs and any settlements or judgments against them.
For example, if a home medical equipment dealer fails to deliver a wheelchair as promised and the customer incurs additional expenses as a result, the customer may sue the dealer for breach of contract. If the dealer has liability insurance, the policy can help pay for legal expenses and any damages awarded to the customer.

In general, insurance can protect home medical equipment dealers from the financial consequences of lawsuits by providing coverage for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. However, the specific terms and limits of coverage can vary depending on the policy. It's important for home medical equipment dealers to review their insurance policies carefully and consult with their insurance provider to ensure they have adequate protection.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 5999 Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified
• NAICS CODE: 446199 All Other Health and Personal Care Stores
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8017 Store - Retail NOC

5999: Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified

Division G: Retail Trade | Major Group 59: Miscellaneous Retail | Industry Group 599: Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified

5999 Miscellaneous Retail Stores, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments primarily engaged in the retail sale of specialized lines of merchandise, not elsewhere classified, such as artists'supplies; orthopedic and artificial limbs; rubber stamps; pets; religious goods; and monuments and tombstones. This industry also includes establishments primarily engaged in selling a general line of their own or consigned merchandise at retail on an auction basis. Establishments primarily engaged in auctioning tangible personal property of others on a contract or fee basis are classified in Services, Industry 7389.

• Architectural supplies-retail
• Art dealers-retail
• Artificial flowers-retail
• Artists'supply and material stores-retail
• Auction rooms (general merchandise)-retail
• Autograph and philatelist supply stores-retail
• Awning shops-retail
• Baby carriages-retail
• Banner shops-retail
• Binoculars-retail
• Cake decorating supplies-retail
• Candle shops-retail
• Coin shops-retail, except mail-order
• Cosmetics stores-retail
• Electric razor shops-retail
• Fireworks-retail
• Flag shops-retail
• Gem stones, rough-retail
• Gravestones, finished-retail
• Hearing aids-retail
• Hot tub-retail
• Ice dealers-retail
• Monuments, finished to custom order-retail
• Orthopedic and artificial limb stores-retail
• Pet food stores-retail
• Pet shops-retail
• Picture frames, ready-made-retail
• Police supply stores-retail
• Religious goods stores (other than books)-retail
• Rock and stone specimens-retail
• Rubber stamp stores-retail
• Sales barns-retail
• Stamps, philatelist-retail: except mail-order
• Stones, crystalline: rough-retail
• Swimming pools, home: not installed-retail
• Telephone stores-retail
• Telescopes-retail
• Tent shops-retail
• Tombstones-retail
• Trophy shops-retail
• Typewriter stores-retail
• Whirlpool baths-retail

Home Medical Equipment Dealers - The Bottom Line

No matter what industry you work in, it is always in your best interest to make sure that you are properly protected from certain perils. As a home medical equipment dealer, commercial insurance can provide you with the protection and peace of mind that you need.

Additional Resources For Medical Insurance

Discover small business insurance for medical and dental professionals. Medical malpractice insurance is a type of professional liability that protects health care professionals from liability causing in bodily injury, medical expenses and property damage.

• Ambulatory Surgical Center
• Art Therapy
• Assisted Living Facilities
• Audiology
• Blood Banks
• Dental Lab
• Dental Office
• Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Health Maintenance Organizations
• Healthcare Facilities
• Home Medical Equipment Dealers
• Hospitals
• Hypnosis
• Malpractice
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Medical Clinics
• Medical Laboratories
• Medical Marijuana Dispensary
• Medical Practice
• Medical, Surgical & Hospital Supply Store
• Mental Health Counseling
• Nurse
• Nurse Registry
• Occupational Therapy
• Ophthalmologist
• Optician
• Optometrist
• Osteopathic Physicians
• Otolaryngologists
• Physicians Office
• Plastic Surgeons
• Podiatrists
• Prosthetists
• Psychology
• Psychiatrists
• Skilled Nursing Facilities
• Speech Therapy
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Surgeons
• Telemedicine Business Insurance
• Veterinarian
• Specialty Medical Centers And Clinics
• Specialty Medical Malpractice

The medical industry is a crucial sector that plays a vital role in ensuring the health and well-being of individuals. It is a complex and highly regulated industry that requires specialized knowledge and expertise. As a result, the medical industry is exposed to a variety of risks, including legal and financial liabilities.

One of the main reasons why the medical industry needs commercial insurance is to protect against medical malpractice. Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider deviates from the standard of care and causes harm to a patient. It can lead to costly lawsuits and significant financial losses for the healthcare provider. Business insurance helps to cover these costs and protect the financial stability of the medical facility.

Another reason the medical industry needs business insurance is to cover the cost of regulatory fines and penalties. The medical industry is subject to strict regulations and any violations can result in significant fines and penalties. Business insurance helps to cover these costs and protect the financial stability of the medical practice or facility.

In addition, the medical industry is vulnerable to data breaches and cyber attacks. These incidents can result in significant financial losses and reputational damage for the medical facility. Business insurance helps to cover the cost of recovering from a data breach or cyber attack and helps to protect the reputation of the medical facility or practice.

Overall, business malpractice insurance is an essential component of the medical industry. It helps to protect against the financial and reputational risks associated with the medical industry and helps to ensure the financial stability and success of medical practices and facilities.

Minimum recommended small business insurance coverage: Business Personal Property, Business Income and Extra Expense, Employee Dishonesty, Money and Securities, Accounts Receivable, Computers, Physicians and Surgeons Floater, Valuable Papers and Records, General Liability, Employee Benefits, Professional, Umbrella, Hired and Non-owned Auto & Workers Compensation.

Other commercial insurance policies to consider: Building, Earthquake, Equipment Breakdown, Flood, Leasehold Interest, Real Property Legal Liability, Computer Fraud, Forgery, Cyber Liability, Employment-related Practices, Business Automobile Liability and Physical Damage and Stop Gap Liability.