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Medical Laboratories Insurance Policy Information

Medical Laboratories Insurance Medical laboratories analyze test samples for physicians, clinics, hospitals, and other health care providers. While some collect the samples themselves from patients visiting their premises, the laboratory generally picks up samples gathered by health care providers, brings them to the laboratory for testing and analysis, and delivers results to the referring medical professional.

Some laboratories are located in other medical facilities, such as a hospital. Some perform diagnostic tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.

In a medical laboratory setting more often than not, things go in the manner as they should. Results are accurately given to patients, lab tests are completed in a timely fashion, and patients/employers typically receive the information they require when it is needed.

In some cases however this isn't always the end result. And in those instances, medical labs require a medical laboratories insurance policy to protect themselves.

From misdiagnosis to improper testing being conducted, or even slip and fall accidents or injuries which occur on the premises, you need to choose the right medical laboratories insurance policy and insurer to protect yourself from liability.

Medical laboratories insurance protects your facility from lawsuits with rates as low as $97/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked medical laboratories insurance questions:

• What Is Medical Laboratory Insurance?
• How Much Does Medical Laboratories Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Medical Laboratories Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Medical Laboratories Need?
• What Does Medical Laboratories Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Which Insurer Should We Use?

Again, the answer will vary in each situation. It is however important to choose medical laboratories insurance policies from a reputable, well known insurer. If possible, a lab should also consider going through an insurer which specializes in this type of coverage, and has several different policies, or can custom tailor a policy for the specific lab's needs.

Not only does this ensure full coverage is afforded, but is also the best way to know you are fully protected, no matter what issues might arise, or accidents may occur when in the dangerous lab setting, and dealing with medical results/testing.

Medical Laboratories Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is low as samples are generally collected by health care providers. If samples are collected on premises, all areas accessible to the public must be well maintained with floor covering in good condition. The number of exits must be sufficient, and be well marked, with backup lighting in case of power failure.

Steps should have handrails, be illuminated, marked, and in good repair. Parking lots should be maintained free of ice and snow. Housekeeping should be excellent and spills must be cleaned up promptly. Good housekeeping is a must to reduce the exposure to slips, trips, and falls. Confidentiality of patient records is critical as the unauthorized release of information relating to a patient's medical and social history could result in personal injury.

Environmental impairment exposure is significant due to the potential for contaminating the air, ground, or water from improperly disposing of medical waste, including contaminants such as hepatitis B or the AIDS virus. Disposal must be documented and meet all FDA and EPA standards.

Professional / Errors and Omissions exposure is extremely high. The exposure increases if the blood bank fails to conduct thorough background checks to verify employees' credentials, education, and licensing. Many medical decisions are made based on the results of diagnostic testing provided by laboratories. Incorrect interpretation of test results may delay diagnosis or treatment, or cause undue emotional distress to a client. Exact protocols must be followed. Needles and other equipment must be sterilized and sanitized to prevent the spread of blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS. Sterile environments must be maintained in order to prevent contamination.

Workers compensation exposure can be very high as workers routinely handle test samples that may carry blood-borne pathogens. Gloves and masks must be worn at all times when working around any bodily fluids. Employees should have access to vaccinations to prevent diseases. Employees may receive puncture wounds from needles. Constant cleansing with disinfectants can result in dermatitis to exposed skin.

Back injuries, sprains, and strains can occur when assisting or lifting patients. Slips and falls can occur from tripping over objects or slick floors. Training and safety equipment should be in place to prevent exposure to radiation when performing X-rays. Since patient information and billings are done on computers, potential injuries include eyestrain, neck strain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar cumulative trauma injuries that can be addressed through ergonomically designed workstations. If the laboratory picks up samples from health care providers, drivers may be injured in automobile accidents or suffer back injuries from lifting.

Property exposures can be high as laboratories rely on sophisticated high-value equipment for analyzing samples. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems, and overheating of equipment. Wiring must be grounded, adequate for peak demands, and meet all current codes. Smoking should be prohibited. All laboratories require sterile conditions. A small fire could cause a total loss due to smoke contamination requiring re-sterilization.

Laboratories will commonly work with a variety of flammable and combustible chemicals. These should be stored in approved storage cabinets away from ignition sources and flammable materials. Business interruption and extra expense is significant due to the high cost of diagnostic equipment and the time it may take to repair or replace a damaged item.

Equipment breakdown exposure is high as operations are dependent on the equipment used in processing test samples. A breakdown could be costly due to the time to install replacement parts or the lack of appropriate backup facilities. All equipment should be maintained on an ongoing basis.

Crime exposures include employee dishonesty in the taking of inventory and false billings. Background checks, including criminal history, should be obtained on each employee prior to hiring. Ordering and billing must be handled by two different employees.

Inland marine exposure consists of accounts receivable if the laboratory bills for services, computers and valuable papers and records for patients' and suppliers' information as well as analysis reports. Analytical equipment may be computerized. Records should be duplicated and stored in an off-site facility.

Commercial auto exposure may be limited to hired and nonownership liability for employees running errands. All drivers should be licensed with acceptable MVRs. Vehicle maintenance should be ongoing and documented in a central location. If the lab picks up samples from health care providers, a spill could have an adverse impact on the environment or others with whom the sample comes into contact.

What Does Medical Laboratories Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Medical laboratories can be sued for a variety of reasons, including:

• Misdiagnosis: If a laboratory provides inaccurate test results, leading to a misdiagnosis, the patient or their family may sue for damages.
• Failure to diagnose: If a laboratory fails to detect a medical condition or disease, resulting in delayed treatment, the patient or their family may sue for damages.
• Contamination or infection: If a laboratory fails to properly sterilize equipment or maintain proper hygiene, resulting in contamination or infection, the patient or their family may sue for damages.
• Breach of privacy: If a laboratory fails to protect a patient's personal and medical information, resulting in a breach of privacy, the patient or their family may sue for damages.

To protect against these risks, medical laboratories can purchase insurance, such as professional liability insurance, also known as medical malpractice insurance. This insurance can help pay for legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments in the event of a lawsuit.

For example, if a patient sues a medical laboratory for misdiagnosis, the laboratory's insurance company can help pay for legal fees and any damages awarded to the plaintiff. Similarly, if a patient sues a laboratory for failure to diagnose, the insurance company can help cover the costs of defending the laboratory and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

In the case of contamination or infection, if a laboratory is sued for failing to maintain proper hygiene, the insurance company can help pay for the costs of defense and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

Finally, if a laboratory is sued for breach of privacy, the insurance company can help pay for the costs of legal defense and any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

Overall, medical laboratories can protect themselves from potential lawsuits by purchasing appropriate insurance coverage, which can help mitigate the financial impact of a lawsuit.

Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification

• SIC CODE: 8071 Medical Laboratories
• NAICS CODE: 621511 Medical Laboratories, 621512 Diagnostic Imaging Centers
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 4511 Analytical Laboratories or Assaying - Including Laboratory, Outside Employees, Collectors of Samples, & Drivers, 8832 Physician & Clerical

8071: Medical Laboratories

Division I: Services | Major Group 80: Health Services | Industry Group 807: Medical And Dental Laboratories

8071 Medical Laboratories: Establishments primarily engaged in providing professional analytic or diagnostic services to the medical profession, or to the patient on prescription of a physician.

• Bacteriological laboratories (not manufacturing)
• Biological laboratories (not manufacturing)
• Blood analysis laboratories
• Chemists, biological: (not manufacturing) laboratories of
• Dental laboratories, X-ray
• Medical laboratories, clinical
• Pathological laboratories
• Testing laboratories, medical: analytic or diagnostic
• Urinalysis laboratories

Medical Laboratories Insurance - The Bottom Line

Of course there are several different policy additions to consider when deciding on insurance for your medical laboratory. For this reason it is important to understand what is covered, what isn't, and what additional or optional policy protections should be added when choosing a medical lab insurance policy.

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
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• Hospitals
• Hypnosis
• Malpractice
• Marriage & Family Therapy
• Medical Clinics
• Medical Laboratories
• Medical Marijuana Dispensary
• Medical Practice
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• Mental Health Counseling
• Nurse
• Nurse Registry
• Occupational Therapy
• Ophthalmologist
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• Osteopathic Physicians
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• 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.