Psychiatrists Insurance Policy Information
Psychiatrists Insurance. Psychiatrists are licensed medical doctors who specialize in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of mental illness by determining its possible cause, whether emotional, physical or some combination of both.
They may use medical diagnostic procedures, such as blood tests or an MRI, to determine the root cause. Specialty areas include forensics, geriatrics, pain management, pediatrics, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or substance abuse.
They may work in individual or group practices, and provide treatment on an individual basis or in group settings. Some patients may be treated in institutional settings. As a medical doctor, psychiatrists can prescribe medications (generally antidepressants, psychotropics, or sedatives) and perform surgery, although most refer surgical procedures to neurologists.
Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are not trained to administer or interpret psychological tests. The two disciplines may work together to help some patients overcome problems.
As a psychiatrist, you provide an invaluable service to your patients. However, given the nature of your work and the fact that we live in a very litigious society, there are a number of risks that are associated with your profession.
In order to protect yourself, your practice, your patients, and any employees that may work for you, it,s important that you carry the right type of psychiatrists insurance.
Psychiatrists insurance protects your practice from lawsuits with rates as low as $37/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.
Below are some answers to commonly asked psychiatrists insurance questions:
- What Is Psychiatrist Insurance?
- How Much Does Psychiatrist Insurance Cost?
- Why Do Psychiatrists Need Insurance
- What Type Of Insurance Do Psychiatrists Need?
What Is Psychiatrist Insurance?
Psychiatrist business insurance is a type of insurance coverage designed specifically for psychiatrists and other mental health professionals who own and operate a private practice. This type of insurance typically provides coverage for various risks associated with operating a mental health practice, such as professional liability, property damage, theft, and medical malpractice. The goal of this insurance is to protect psychiatrists from financial losses that may result from a claim or lawsuit filed by a patient or third party.
How Much Does Psychiatrist Insurance Cost?
The average price of a standard $1,000,000/$2,000,000 General Liability Insurance policy for small psychiatry practices ranges from $37 to $59 per month based on location, size, payroll, sales and experience.
Why Do Psychiatrists Need Insurance?
You see a number of patients on a regular basis. These people share personal information with you in confidence. You make diagnoses and offer treatments, which can include prescription medications.
In the event that a patient files a claim against you stating that you shared his or her personal information without permission, or that you prescribed a medication with listing the possible side effects, for example - even if the claim is false - you could be looking at serious financial trouble.
Legal fees can be exorbitant, and unless you have psychiatrists insurance, you would have to pay those fees out of your own pocket.
Other risks that could put you in danger include third party injuries occurring in your office, damage to your property, stolen or damaged equipment, and employee injuries and illness. These risks could also put you financial peril.
Carrying the right psychiatrists insurance policies will safeguard you from the number of risks that are associated with your psychiatric practice. Insurance will offer the financial protection you need in the event that a lawsuit does arise or if your property is damaged, vandalized, or stolen for example.
What Type Of Insurance Do Psychiatrists Need?
There are several types of insurance policies that psychiatrists should have. Depending on the location of your practice, you will be legally required to carry some of these policies; however, it,s also a wise idea to invest in policies that you are not legally obligated to carry. Examples of psychiatrists insurance coverage include:
Malpractice or Professional Liability: In today's litigious society, it doesn't take much for a patient to turn to lawsuits to resolve an issue. As a medical professional, psychiatry malpractice insurance is a must. This type of coverage will protect you from any malpractice claims that may be filed against you.
For instance, if a client claims that you prescribed a medication that has caused adverse side effects, or that you shared confident information, professional liability insurance will help to cover the cost of legal fees, as well as any damages that may be awarded and that you are required to pay.
Commercial General Liability: Should a third party - a patient, a delivery person, or anyone else (other than an employee) become injured on your property or files a claim stating that you damaged his or her property, general liability insurance will protect you.
For example, if a patient slips in your office and breaks a bone, this psychiatrists insurance coverage will help to pay for any medical care that the patient requires, as well as any legal fees that may arise if the individual files a lawsuit against you.
Workers Compensation: Depending on where your practice is located, workers, compensation insurance may be required if you employ a staff. Even if it's not required, it,s still a wise idea to carry. Workers comp will cover any injuries employees may sustain while they are on the job, covering the cost of medical care, lost wages, and more.
Commercial Property: This type of insurance will protect the physical location of your practice; your office and it's contents. Should your office be damaged in a fire, storm, vandalized, or if any equipment is stolen, for example, business property insurance will help to cover the cost of repairing or replacing the damaged or stolen items.
Cyber Liability: In the event that confidential patient information is lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised from the computer program that your practice uses, data breach insurance will protect you from the damages.
Psychiatrist's Risks & Exposures
Premises liability exposures are moderate due to patients' access to the premises. Patient areas should be neat with no obstructions. To prevent trips, slips, and falls, all areas accessible to patients 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. Patients, areas must be designed to include those who are physically impaired. Escort procedures must be clear for all personnel. Maintaining a patient's privacy is critical. Consultation rooms, check-in and checkout stations must be in private areas so one patient cannot view information or overhear conversations regarding another patient's, confidential information.
Professional liability exposures are extensive. The exposure increases if the provider fails to conduct thorough background checks to verify employees' credentials, education, and licensing. A patient's medical history must be checked prior to prescribing medications. Unless ordered by a court, very serious losses may result from failure to secure patient approval before admitting to any type of institution. Finally, inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct must be considered.
Workers compensation exposures are due to the possible transmission of diseases from patients to staff members. Unruly or unpredictable patients can cause injury or harm including bites, strains, back injuries, and contusions. Because 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.
Property exposures for fire and crime are minor. Ignition sources are generally limited to electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems. If pharmaceuticals are kept on premises, theft is a concern. These items should be inaccessible for unauthorized use and stored in a protected area after hours. Business income and extra expense exposures can be minimized if the psychiatrist has arranged for temporary facilities with another doctor.
Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty of both money and inventory, which may include pharmaceuticals. The potential for theft, directly or by means of identity theft, is great. Background checks should be conducted on all employees handling money. Rigid controls must be maintained including inventory control and limited access to storage areas. All ordering, billing, and disbursement must be handled by separate individuals. Money and securities are a concern if payments are accepted on premises. Deposits should be made regularly and money should not be kept on premises overnight.
Inland marine exposures are from accounts receivable if the psychiatrist bills for services, computers, and valuable papers and records for patients, records and medical research books. Duplicates of all records and programs should be made and kept off-site.
Business auto exposures are generally limited to hired and non-owned liability for employees who use their own vehicles to run errands. If there are owned vehicles, all drivers should be licensed with acceptable MVRs. Vehicles must be maintained and records kept in a central location.
Commercial Insurance And Business Industry Classification
- SIC CODE: 8049 Offices and Clinics of Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified
- NAICS CODE: 621340 Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists, and Audiologists
- Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8832 Physician & Clerical
Description for 8049: Offices and Clinics of Health Practitioners, Not Elsewhere Classified
Division I: Services | Major Group 80: Health Services | Industry Group 804: Offices And Clinics Of Other Health Practitioners
7299 Miscellaneous Personal Services, Not Elsewhere Classified: Establishments of health practitioners engaged in the practice of health fields, not elsewhere classified. Practitioners may or may not be licensed or certified, depending on the State in which they practice. Establishments operating as clinics of health practitioners, not elsewhere classified, are included in this industry.
- Acupuncturists, except M.D.: offices of
- Audiologists, offices of
- Christian science practitioners, offices of
- Dental hygienists, offices of
- Dieticians, offices of
- Hypnotists, offices of
- Inhalation therapists, registered
- Midwives, offices of
- Naturopaths, offices of
- Nurses, registered and practical: offices of, except home health
- Nutritionists, offices of
- Occupational therapists, offices of
- Paramedics, offices of
- Physical therapists, offices of
- Physicians'assistants, offices of
- Psychiatric social workers, offices of
- Psychologists, clinical offices of
- Psychotherapists, except M.D.: offices of
- Speech clinicians, offices of
- Speech pathologists, offices of
Psychiatry Insurance - The Bottom Line
Speak to a reputable insurance broker that specializes in the above-mentioned insurance coverages. Insurance is an integral part of ensuring that a practice as well as the practitioner are protected against claims and lawsuits as they continue to do business. Without it, a psychiatrist's career could very well be put at serious risk. Knowing that they have the right policy in place in case of an emergency situation with a client gives the practitioner peace of mind and the confidence they need to continue to help their patients every day.
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.
