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Surgeon Insurance Policy Information

Surgeon Insurance. Surgery is among the most competitive medical fields. The many branches of surgery include cardiothoracic surgery, general surgery (which deals with organs within the abdomen), orthopedic surgery, and surgical oncology, to list but a few examples.

Surgeons are medical doctors who operate on human patients to remove, correct or control damage caused by a deformity, disease, or injury.

While surgery generally involves cutting into the tissues, new technologies rely on scopes and lasers that are minimally invasive for many routine procedures such as appendectomies.

Surgeons initially receive patients as referrals from other medical practitioners. Some surgeons specialize in disciplines such as cardiology, neurology, obstetrics, oncology, oral, podiatry, or pulmonology.

These may offer ongoing care for patients needing their specialized knowledge. Others are generalists, performing surgical procedures many areas of the body.

Most surgeons have a private office and affiliation with a hospital or clinic. Regardless of the field a surgeon specializes in, these doctors quite literally hold lives in their hands and play a vital role in the health care system.

Although working within this ever-innovative medical branch is highly rewarding, it is clear that surgery inherently involves risks - not only for patients, but also for surgeons.

Because unforeseen circumstances always have the potential to lead to poor patient outcomes as well as threatening the future of a surgeon's career, it is crucial for surgeons to carry the correct insurance policies.

This is true whether the surgeon works in a hospital or other medical facility, or owns and runs a private clinic. What types of surgeon insurance coverage may surgery practices need to protect themselves from the many risks they are vulnerable to, however? To discover more, read on.

Surgeon insurance protects surgery practices from lawsuits with rates as low as $67/mo. Get a fast quote and your certificate of insurance now.

Below are some answers to commonly asked surgeon insurance questions:

• What Is Surgeon Insurance?
• How Much Does Surgeon Insurance Cost?
• Why Do Surgeons Need Insurance?
• What Type Of Insurance Do Surgeons Need?
• What Does Surgeon Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Why Do Surgeons Need Insurance?

Surgeons will need professional insurance to protect their financial interests and their reputation, as well as to meet legal obligations. surgeons are vulnerable to a number of perils, after all, each of which can have grave consequences.

The primary peril surgeons will have to consider lies in allegations of medical malpractice.

While surgeons will always strive to provide an excellent level of care, the reality remains that situations do not always unfold as planned. Regardless of a surgeon's skill and technique, and despite doing everything in their power to attain excellent results, a patient may suffer complications during a surgery.

In some cases, patients will die. In the aftermath, patients or their relatives may decide to file a lawsuit against the surgeon in which they allege that the poor patient outcome was the surgeon's responsibility.

Surgeons will further have to prepare for situations in which they can no longer carry out their jobs. An accident may lead to such impairments that a surgeon no longer has the complete control of their hands they need to perform operations, for example, or a medical condition may cause them not to be able to work at all any longer.

Surgeons who run private practices, meanwhile, additionally face some of the same risks any business owner would - including the possibility that an act of nature, theft, vandalism, or accident damages their physical building and its contents.

Armed with a comprehensive surgeon insurance program, surgery practices can rest assured that they have done everything they can to protect their career, finances, and business interests even in the event that disaster strikes.

Surgeon's Risks & Exposures

Premises liability exposure is moderate due to patient access to the premises. 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 will generally visit the surgeon's office for post-operative follow-up care. As patients may be physically impaired following surgery, escort procedures must be clear for all personnel.

Maintaining a patient's privacy is critical. Examination 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 exposures are extensive. The exposure increases if the provider fails to conduct thorough background checks to verify employees' credentials, education, and licensing. The more life threatening that the procedures are, the higher the degree of exposure.

For example, an orthopedic surgeon's exposure is generally not as severe as that of a cardiac surgeon. A patient's medical history must be checked prior to prescribing medications. Very serious losses may result from failure to secure patient approval before performing procedures.

Training and safety equipment should be in place to prevent exposure to radiation when performing X-rays. Needles and other equipment must be sterilized and sanitized to prevent the spread of blood-borne infectious diseases such as hepatitis, HIV, and AIDS.

On-site surgery must be closely monitored, with an experienced trained individual administering and monitoring the use of the anesthetic. All medical equipment and supplies used during the surgery must be accounted for before any incision is closed to prevent being left in the patient's body.

Finally, inappropriate touching and sexual misconduct must be considered.

Workers compensation exposure is due to possible transmission of disease from a patient. Gloves and masks should be worn at all times during surgery and when working around any bodily fluids. Cuts and puncture wounds are possible from the use of sharp equipment such as scalpels or needles. Employees should have access to vaccinations to prevent diseases.

Back injuries can occur due to the mobility limitations of many surgical patients that often require lifting or support. Training and safety equipment should be in place to prevent exposure to radiation when performing X-rays.

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 exposure is moderate due to the use of expensive diagnostic and medical equipment. Ignition sources include electrical wiring, heating, and air conditioning systems, and overheating of equipment. All electrical wiring must be up to code and equipment properly maintained. A small fire which produces smoke can cause considerable damage when sterile equipment and environments are compromised.

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. Most property items are better covered on inland marine forms such as a computer form or the physicians and surgeons floater.

The business income and extra expense exposure is generally light as surgeries are performed from hospitals or clinics, not at the doctor's office. If the surgeon has diagnostic equipment at the office location, the exposure will increase.

Equipment breakdown exposures may be high if operations are dependent on expensive medical equipment being available on the premises, particularly if the surgeon specializes in a particular field such as cardiology. All equipment should be maintained on an ongoing basis.

Crime exposure is from employee dishonesty of both money and inventory, including 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 exposure includes accounts receivable if the surgeon bills for services, computers, physicians and surgeons equipment floater (which can include all office furnishings), and valuable papers and records for patients' and suppliers' information.

Computers are used for patients' records and other office purposes, but some medical equipment, such as video equipment and X-ray machines, is now also computerized. Physicians and surgeons floater includes items that the surgeon may take off site to handle emergencies. Duplicates of all records and programs must be kept off site.

Commercial auto exposure is generally limited to hired and non-owned liability for employees running 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.

What Does Surgeon Insurance Cover & Pay For?

Surgeons can be sued for a variety of reasons, including:

Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a surgeon fails to provide a standard level of care, resulting in harm to the patient. This can include misdiagnosis, surgical errors, or failure to diagnose a condition.

Informed consent: Surgeons have a legal obligation to obtain informed consent from their patients before performing any medical procedure. If a patient claims that they were not fully informed about the risks and benefits of a surgery, they may sue for lack of informed consent.

Postoperative complications: Some patients may experience complications after surgery, such as infections, blood clots, or other medical issues. If the patient believes that the surgeon was responsible for the complications, they may sue for medical malpractice.

Surgeons can protect themselves from these types of lawsuits by carrying medical malpractice insurance. This type of insurance provides financial protection in the event of a malpractice lawsuit. Medical malpractice insurance can cover the costs of legal fees, settlements or judgments, and other expenses related to the lawsuit.

For example, if a surgeon is sued for medical malpractice, their insurance policy may cover the cost of hiring a defense attorney, conducting an investigation, and paying for any expert witnesses needed for the case. If the case goes to trial and the surgeon is found liable, the insurance policy can also cover the cost of any damages awarded to the plaintiff.

Overall, medical malpractice insurance is an important tool for surgeons to protect themselves and their practice from financial ruin in the event of a lawsuit.

• SIC CODE: 8011 Offices and Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine
• NAICS CODE: 621111 Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists)
• Suggested ISO General Liability Code(s): 66561
• Suggested Workers Compensation Code(s): 8832

Description for 8011: Offices and Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine

Division D: Manufacturing | Major Group 39: Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries | Industry Group 399: Miscellaneous Manufacturing Industries

8011 Offices and Clinics Of Doctors Of Medicine: Establishments of licensed practitioners having the degree of M.D. and engaged in the practice of general or specialized medicine and surgery. Establishments operating as clinics of physicians are included in this industry. Osteopathic physicians are classified in Industry 8031.

• Ambulatory surgical centers
• Anesthesiologists, offices of
• Clinics of physicians (M.D.)
• Dermatologists, offices of
• Freestanding emergency medical (M.D.) centers
• Gynecologists, offices of
• Neurologists, offices of
• Obstetricians, offices of
• Oculists, offices of
• Ophthalmologists, offices of
• Orthopedic physicians, offices of
• Pathologists (M.D.), offices of
• Pediatricians, offices of
• Physicians (M.D.), including specialists: offices and clinics of
• Plastic surgeons, offices of
• Primary care medical (M.D.) clinics
• Psychiatrists, offices of
• Psychoanalysts, offices of
• Radiologists, offices of
• Surgeons (M.D.), offices of
• Urologists, offices of

Surgeon Insurance - The Bottom Line

To protect your practice, employees and your patients, having the right surgeon insurance coverage is vital. To learn what the options are available to you, how much coverage you should have and the associated costs - speak to a reputable commercial insurance broker who understands medical malpractice insurance.

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.