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As a medical professional in the administration or billing department, it is crucial to ensure you have the right malpractice insurance to protect yourself and your practice. Choosing an individual or group insurance policy is one of the biggest decisions you’ll have to make, but what’s the difference between the two? We answer that question and more in our comparison of group and individual liability policies below.

Understand the Basics of Group and Individual Malpractice Insurance

Individual malpractice insurance provides coverage specific to an individual healthcare provider. In comparison, group malpractice insurance covers all the providers in a practice or organization under one umbrella policy. Both types of coverage offer protection against medical malpractice claims but differ in a few key aspects, which we will delve into below.

Comparing Costs and Coverage for Group vs. Individual Malpractice Insurance

A significant difference exists between individual and group policies when one considers the cost of medical malpractice insurance. Individual policies tend to be more expensive because they meet the specific needs of one healthcare provider. On the other hand, group policies offer a shared risk, which can reduce overall costs for each healthcare provider.

Additionally, with group coverage, providers may access higher liability limits, as multiple individuals cover the total cost. However, it is essential to note that individual policies allow for customization and can provide more comprehensive coverage for specific needs.

The Pros of Individual Malpractice Insurance

Tailored Coverage

Individual malpractice insurance allows for customized coverage based on the specific needs of a healthcare provider. So, individual policies allow you to choose your policy limits and coverage options to suit your practice and specialties best. With individual policies, you have more control over the protection you receive.

Individual Flexibility

An individual policy does not tie your coverage to a specific practice or organization. Your malpractice insurance will still cover you if you decide to change jobs or start an independent practice. You also have the option to add additional coverage for moonlighting or other part-time work without having to rely on group coverage.

Continuity of Coverage

Along with the flexibility of individual coverage, there’s much greater continuity with individual policies than with group ones. With group policies, there’s greater flux and more changes as members come and go, necessitating changes in the policy if needed.

The Cons of Individual Malpractice Insurance

Higher Premiums

While individual malpractice insurance offers more tailored and flexible coverage, it often comes at a higher cost. Since the entire policy focuses on one healthcare provider, premiums tend to be more expensive than group policies. This cost can be a significant financial burden, especially for solo practitioners or those just starting their careers.

Limited Risk Pool

With individual coverage, the risk is solely on one provider. You may be responsible for covering all costs and damages if someone files a claim against you. In contrast, multiple providers under a group policy share the risk, making it more manageable in case of a claim.

The Pros of Group Malpractice Insurance

Discounts for Larger Groups

The potential for discounts is one of the most significant advantages of group malpractice insurance. As a larger group, multiple providers spread the total risk among themselves, which can result in lower premiums for everyone. This discount makes group insurance an attractive option for practices with several healthcare providers.

Increased Coverage Limits

Group malpractice insurance policies generally have higher coverage limits compared to individual policies. This higher coverage is a result of multiple providers sharing the total liability. Larger coverage limits mean a bigger safety net for the individuals in the policy and greater peace of mind.

Sharing Risk

As previously stated, sharing the risks among multiple healthcare providers is one of the benefits of group insurance. Each provider is responsible for their portion of the premium, and any claims are also split among all members. This equal sharing can provide financial protection and stability for individuals in case of a claim.

The Cons of Group Malpractice Insurance

Loss of Independence

The potential loss of independence is one of the main drawbacks of group malpractice insurance. With a group policy, one policy covers all providers, which means you may not have as much control over your coverage and limits as you would with an individual policy. Some employers require employees to join their group insurance policy, which means forgoing any ability to find individual coverage.

Limited Coverage Options

Group policies often have more limited coverage options than individual policies, as they must cover the entire group’s needs rather than an individual’s needs. Therefore, some providers may not have as many coverage options as they desire.

Assessing Your Personal Needs To Find the Best Plan

Assessing your personal needs and considering the pros and cons of each option is important when deciding between an individual or group malpractice insurance policy. An individual policy may provide more tailored protection for healthcare providers in an independent practice or those with specific coverage needs. However, a group policy may offer cost savings and higher coverage limits for larger practices and organizations.

Costs Associated With Both Types of Insurance

In addition to premiums, individual and group malpractice insurance comes with other, additional costs. With individual coverage, providers may need to cover the cost of tail coverage if they leave their practice or retire. This extended reporting period protects acts committed while the policy was active but reported after it ended.

On the other hand, with group coverage, there may be additional costs for adding new providers to the policy. It is important to factor in all potential costs when comparing the two types of insurance.

Questions To Ask Before Signing Up for a Policy

Before choosing between an individual or group malpractice insurance policy, it is important to ask the following questions to understand your coverage options fully:

What are the liability limits, and how much coverage do I need?

Are there any specific coverage options for my specialties or practice needs?

Does the policy cover me for part-time work or moonlighting?

What is the process for adding new providers to the policy?

Are there any additional costs associated with the policy, such as tail coverage?

You can make an informed decision when choosing between individual and group malpractice insurance by asking these questions and carefully considering your needs.

Find Affordable and Comprehensive Group Insurance at Baxter & Associates

We hope you fully understand the differences between individual and group malpractice insurance. Baxter & Associates can help if you think you’d benefit more from a group policy! At Baxter & Associates, we offer the best group medical malpractice insurance options. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, addressing your unique needs and concerns. Contact us today to learn more about our group insurance solutions and how they can provide the protection and peace of mind you deserve.

Patient instruction before a procedure is crucial for the patient and the healthcare provider. Below, we offer some helpful tips on educating patients about their procedures to ensure they fully understand the information they must know.

Consider Communication Barriers

First, you should consider communication problems between yourself and your patient due to language, culture, and physical or cognitive impairments. If the patient is visually impaired, you’ll have to communicate more verbally; if the patient is cognitively impaired, you’ll likely have to be more persistent with your instruction. Having a plan that considers the patient’s communication barriers will help you start on the right track.

Keep It Simple

A good first tip when educating patients about their procedures is to keep it simple. You obviously want to be thorough in the instructions, but you don’t want to overload and confuse the patient. Remember that while the terminology and abbreviations of medical lingo may be second nature to you, they’re likely unknown to the patient. The patient is also likely stressed from being in the hospital and having an upcoming procedure. Therefore, use simple terms and words to get the message across and give details in bite-sized pieces.

Include Family and Friends

If the patient has family and friends with them, include them in the instruction and health care management. If the patient cannot care for themselves due to ailments, close family and friends will need instruction for health care management. They can also offer questions the patient may not think of at the moment, and they know how the patient learns best and can help explain the information in a way they would best understand.

Use the Teach-Back Method

The teach-back method involves asking the patient to explain what you just told them back to you. This method ensures that the patient understands your instructions and helps them retain information. Remind the patient that you’re not testing them; you’re confirming they fully understand their procedure.

Provide Instruction and Paperwork in Their Native Language

If the patient doesn’t speak English, or if English is their second language, provide some instruction or paperwork about the procedure in their native language. Also, ask a family member or friend to translate for you and provide follow-up literature in their language to ensure they best understand the procedure.

Stay Protected With Baxter & Associates

Patient education is critical for healthcare providers, as it ensures that the patient can give informed consent and that the provider can avoid a malpractice claim of negligence. As a medical malpractice insurance agency, we provide malpractice insurance for all healthcare providers, from nurses and physicians to chiropractors and dentists and more. Contact our staff or complete a form online for a quote for our services today.

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably reshaped the landscape of the global healthcare industry, with the nursing profession at the epicenter of this transformation. The pandemic highlighted the critical role that nurse practitioners play as pivotal conduits of health information and patient advocacy.

During the pandemic, nurse practitioners found themselves at the frontline of the battle against COVID-19. Below, we’ll explore the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession, the challenges nurse practitioners faced, the issues in the industry it highlighted, and the lessons learned from the pandemic.

How COVID Strained Healthcare Workers

Understanding the broader strain that the pandemic imposed on the entire North American healthcare industry is essential to fully comprehend the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession.

Increased Workload

The COVID-19 pandemic marked a significant increase in workload for healthcare facilities across the United States. As the virus rapidly spread, hospitals and clinics experienced an unprecedented influx of patients, pushing their capacities to the brink. Healthcare professionals, including nurse practitioners, were suddenly confronted with an overwhelming number of patients requiring intensive care, often simultaneously.

Stretched Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic also considerably stretched the resources of North American healthcare systems. Amid a surge in patient numbers, hospitals faced a severe shortage of essential supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, testing kits, and pharmaceuticals. This scarcity escalated the risk for healthcare workers, especially nurse practitioners, who were compelled to reuse disposable PPE or use substandard alternatives, increasing their exposure to the virus.

Expanded Responsibilities

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated an expansion of roles and responsibilities for healthcare professionals, with nurse practitioners experiencing significant shifts in their scope of practice. Traditionally tasked with patient care and support, nurse practitioners were propelled into leadership positions, serving as patient care coordinators, policy developers, and the primary source of communication between patients and their families. With visitor restrictions in place, nurse practitioners shouldered the emotional burden of their patients—providing comfort, understanding, and solace to those battling the virus in isolation.

How the Pandemic Exacerbated Existing Issues in Nursing

Personnel Shortage

The COVID-19 pandemic further amplified the existing problem of understaffing in nursing. Before the pandemic, the healthcare industry was already grappling with a looming nursing shortage due to an aging workforce and a rising demand for healthcare services. As the virus spread and patient numbers surged, the strain on the limited pool of nurse practitioners increased dramatically.

Insufficient Compensation

Even before the pandemic, low pay was a significant concern within the nursing profession. The sudden and immense demands of the pandemic further underscored this problem. Nurse practitioners were required to work longer hours, often under hazardous conditions, and assume expanded roles beyond their traditional scope of practice. Despite the increased workload and risk, many nurse practitioners did not receive commensurate compensation. The discrepancy between the level of responsibility and risk assumed by nurse practitioners and their remuneration became even more obvious during the pandemic, leading to increased dissatisfaction and demotivation among nursing professionals.

Burnout

Even pre-pandemic, burnout—chronic physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion—was a formidable issue in the nursing profession. With the onset of COVID-19, the problem of burnout escalated dramatically. The relentless wave of COVID-19 patients, coupled with the fear of contracting the virus and spreading it to loved ones, fueled anxiety and stress among nurse practitioners. The emotional toll of witnessing unprecedented levels of illness and death, often with patients dying alone due to restrictive visitation policies, was immense. Coupled with the physical exhaustion of working in demanding, high-intensity environments while clad in uncomfortable protective gear, the pandemic significantly escalated burnout and mental fatigue in the nursing profession.

Lessons Learned from COVID’s Impact on Nursing

Investing in Nursing Resources

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the crucial need for investing in nursing resources. An adequately staffed and well-equipped nursing workforce was shown to be central to combating the pandemic effectively. Where resources were scarce, patient care suffered, and the physical and emotional toll on nurse practitioners was high. Investment in quality education and training is urgently required to prepare future nurse practitioners for similar health crises.

Furthermore, the pandemic highlighted the need for investments in mental health resources for nurse practitioners who face significant stress and burnout risks in their roles. This investment will support nurse practitioners’ resilience and well-being, enhancing patient care quality. Experiencing COVID-19 made it abundantly clear that investing in nursing resources is vital for the strength and resilience of the healthcare system.

Evolving Role of Telehealth in Healthcare

The pandemic catalyzed the widespread adoption of telehealth in healthcare delivery. With social distancing protocols in place and hospitals overwhelmed, healthcare providers turned to telehealth as a safe and efficient method to continue providing care. Telehealth has been used for routine check-ups, mental health consultations, and even diagnosis of non-COVID-19-related ailments. As primary caregivers, nurse practitioners became the face of this digital transformation, using telehealth tools for patient education, monitoring vitals, and delivering care to patients in remote locations.

Many anticipate that telehealth will continue to play a prominent role in healthcare far beyond the end of the pandemic. It offers more flexible work arrangements for nurse practitioners, reducing burnout and increasing job satisfaction. Nurse practitioners can provide their invaluable services to a more extensive network of patients, including those in rural or underserved areas. Telehealth also reduces exposure to communicable diseases and can help manage patient loads more effectively by triaging care needs.

Importance of Nurse Practitioner Recruitment and Retention

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of robust nurse practitioner recruitment and retention strategies. Amid the health crisis, healthcare systems worldwide grappled with a dire shortage of nursing personnel, leading to overburdened staff, compromised patient care, and a heightened risk of virus transmission. Such strategies could include improved working conditions, mental health support, career development opportunities, and appropriate remuneration. The pandemic reiterated the importance of valuing, supporting, and retaining nurse practitioners, recognizing their central role in maintaining the health and well-being of communities.

Conclusion: Stay Protected as a Nurse Practitioner With Baxter & Associates

After exploring the impact of COVID-19 on the nursing profession, we see that the aftereffects of this health crisis will continue reverberating in the coming years. At Baxter & Associates, we commit ourselves to helping healthcare professionals like nurse practitioners and advanced practice nurses (APRN) with nurse practitioner liability and NP malpractice insurance to ensure they can do their jobs with clear focus and without worry of liability exposure. Contact our staff to receive a quote for our services today if you need malpractice insurance.

Medical professionals must commit to providing precise and accurate diagnoses. Failure to do so can lead to medical complications for patients and put healthcare providers at risk for malpractice claims. In fact, misdiagnosis is one of the leading reasons for medical malpractice lawsuits. To prevent the misdiagnosis of medical problems as much as possible, we’ve compiled some practical tips for medical professionals to avoid mistakes and oversights.

Commit to Continuing Education and Training

Continuing education and training are essential for staying current on your field’s latest research, guidelines, and best practices. Keep abreast of new developments, emerging technologies, and innovative diagnostic methods to ensure you practice the highest standard of care. For instance, participating in case review meetings and interdisciplinary discussions is a great way to learn from your peers and share insights on challenging cases.

Thoroughly Review Medical History and Useful Diagnostic Tests

A comprehensive review of a patient’s medical history, including family and social history, is crucial for a thorough diagnostic process. In many instances, critical information will be in the medical history that could point to a specific diagnosis. Consider using appropriate diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out a particular condition. Ensure you order only necessary tests to avoid overtesting and causing confusion or undue stress to patients.

Employ Diagnostic Checklists

Using diagnostic checklists can help ensure you don’t overlook essential elements of the diagnostic process. These tools, developed for specific medical conditions or symptoms, can assist medical professionals in decreasing cognitive errors and biases while streamlining assessments. Implementing and consistently using checklists in your practice may minimize the chances of a misdiagnosis.

Encourage Open Communication and Collaboration

Promote a culture of open communication and collaboration within your healthcare facility. Encourage your team members to share their concerns and observations, as different perspectives can lead to a more accurate and thorough diagnosis.

Seek Second Opinions

Don’t hesitate to ask for a second opinion when faced with a challenging or uncertain diagnosis. Consulting with colleagues, specialists, or subspecialists can provide additional insights and help confirm or refute your diagnostic hypothesis. Remember that the goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients, and seeking expert advice is a responsible way to protect them.

Get Insured Against Misdiagnosis With Baxter & Associates

Avoiding diagnosis errors is essential to quality patient care and liability risk reduction. By implementing our tips to prevent misdiagnosis of medical problems, you can enhance your diagnostic accuracy and take steps to safeguard your patients and healthcare facility.

Guided by expertise and experience, Baxter & Associates specializes in protecting medical professionals with tailored group malpractice insurance solutions. Contact us today to learn more about how our unparalleled service and access to numerous carriers can support your practice and ensure peace of mind for you and your patients.

No one would say being a nurse practitioner is easy, but it is emotionally and financially rewarding work. That said, you’ll need certain personality traits to be a great nurse practitioner. We break down what it takes to be a successful nurse practitioner below!

Empathy

Empathy is one of the most important characteristics healthcare providers need—especially nurse practitioners. You’ll need an inward motivation to help people suffering and strive to give your patients the best healthcare possible. Without compassion for your patients, you won’t feel the same duty to help them and won’t receive the same satisfaction and inner enrichment when you do help them overcome challenges.

Communicative

Communication is critical to all healthcare providers. Nurse practitioners deal directly with patients and must communicate with other treatment team members to organize solutions and pass along information. Nurse practitioners must be comfortable communicating clearly and effectively with different people—from all patients to fellow staff and administration.

Critical Thinking

Many of the responsibilities of nurse practitioners involve thinking on their feet, analyzing the available evidence, and making snap judgments. Nurse practitioners often have to make critical decisions regarding patient care. This responsibility means that they must have the critical thinking skills to make observations and compress that information into a viable treatment plan for the patient.

While there are ways to hone this skill in school and training, much comes from experience. But if you have a strong analytical skillset, you have the foundation for enhancing your critical thinking skills as you grow more experienced in the role.

Attention to Detail

In practically every job, paying attention to the details is important, but with nurse practitioners, it’s a necessity. Many nurse practitioners’ responsibilities involve reviewing minute details, from patient history to patient education, examinations, and diagnosis. Being organized and attentive to the details of your job is critical to being a successful nurse practitioner.

Endurance

Another personality trait of a great nurse practitioner is physical and mental endurance. Physically, nurse practitioners spend much of their day on their feet, checking on patients, performing procedures, and even occasionally lifting heavy objects.

Mental endurance, however, is just as critical. Being a nurse practitioner isn’t easy and often comes with long, mentally, and emotionally draining days. Nurse practitioners must have the mental fortification necessary to keep working for the benefit of their patients and colleagues.

Stay Protected as a Nurse Practitioner With Baxter & Associates

If you’re a nurse practitioner or interested in becoming one, you need malpractice insurance to ensure your protection while on the job. Baxter & Associates has helped many find quality, affordable nurse practitioner liability insurance that fits their needs and budget. Get a quote online for our services, or contact our staff today if you have any questions!

A strong relationship between healthcare providers and their patients is crucial for ensuring the best possible care and a positive patient experience. For professionals such as doctors, dentists, CRNAs, and chiropractors, honing the ability to communicate effectively and empathetically with patients can improve patient satisfaction, ensure better adherence to treatment plans, and even decrease the likelihood of medical malpractice claims.

If you’re a healthcare provider looking to improve your bedside manner, check out our tips below to help improve your relationship with your patients.

Practice Active Listening

A common complaint filed by patients or their families against healthcare providers in many negligence cases is that they were ignored. Active listening means focusing on what the patient is saying, asking thoughtful questions, and responding appropriately. When patients feel that their healthcare provider is genuinely attentive to their concerns, they are more likely to fully engage in their care and not seek a negligence lawsuit when problems arise.

Show Empathy and Understanding

In addition to listening, expressing empathy and understanding for the patient’s feelings and concerns is important. Acknowledging their emotions and validating their experiences can help strengthen your rapport with patients and show that you genuinely care about their well-being.

Set Realistic Expectations

Clearly explaining the likely outcomes of treatments, procedures, and recovery timeframes can help patients better understand their health journey. By setting realistic expectations, you can prevent potential dissatisfaction in the future while building trust with your patients.

Encourage Involvement in Decision-Making

Patients who are involved in making decisions that relate to their healthcare are more likely to adhere to their treatment plans and feel satisfied with their care. Providing comprehensive information while considering patient preferences can ensure a more personalized and successful healthcare experience.

Maintain Open Communication Channels

Establishing open lines of communication with patients can foster ongoing dialogue and encourage patients to express their concerns or questions actively. A patient-provider relationship that’s built on open communication is more likely to be successful, with patients feeling heard, understood, and supported.

Conclusion

Keep our tips for improving your relationship with patients in mind, as a strong healthcare provider-patient relationship is crucial for providing quality healthcare and fostering trust, satisfaction, and long-term success. It also helps decrease the likelihood of medical malpractice claims. You can create strong patient-provider relationships that benefit everyone involved by listening actively, showing empathy, setting realistic expectations, involving patients in decision-making, and maintaining open communication channels.

At Baxter & Associates, we understand the importance of strong patient relationships and strive to provide valuable solutions and information to healthcare providers. If you’re a chiropractor, obtaining chiropractor malpractice insurance that suits your practice’s needs is another way to ensure you are protected and have peace of mind. With unparalleled service, informative content, and access to numerous carriers, we offer expertise and support to help you thrive in your profession and provide the best care for your patients.

CRNAs and anesthesiologists are critical positions in an anesthesia care team; what’s the difference between these positions? We’ll break down how CRNAs and anesthesiologists differ, from education to liability.

Who Is a CRNA?

A certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements. They have many responsibilities as part of the anesthesia team, including administering anesthesia, educating patients before and after a procedure, and identifying possible risks for patients undergoing anesthesia.

Who Is an Anesthesiologist?

An anesthesiologist is a CRNA’s direct superior and works with surgeons to assess the patient, create an anesthesia treatment plan, and administer the anesthesia. They help patients who require general, regional, monitored, or local anesthesia for a procedure. During surgeries requiring anesthesia, the anesthesiologist will closely monitor the condition of the patient with the care team (including CRNAs).

How Are the Roles Different?

Now, we can explore the differences between CRNAs and anesthesiologists. The primary distinctions between the two professions are education and training, responsibilities, and liability.

Education

CRNAs and anesthesiologists take different educational paths to get to their positions. A CRNA must first attain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) before attaining a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) or Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia Practice (DNAP) degree. The track to becoming a CRNA generally takes 7–10 years, between schooling, the required clinical nursing experience, and the graduate nursing program.

Anesthesiologists require roughly 12 years of schooling, including getting a bachelor’s degree in one of the sciences, then four years of medical school, and another four years of residency before becoming state-licensed.

Responsibilities

While an anesthesiologist and a CRNA’s duties overlap, they have different responsibilities. The anesthesiologist has the final say on anesthesia treatment plans and is typically present at surgeries to monitor patients. CRNAs have more responsibilities in pre and post-surgery anesthesia treatment plans, as well as educating and monitoring patients. They can also assist in administering anesthesia.

Liability

The anesthesiologist is primarily responsible for anesthesia treatment plans for patients. If something goes wrong with the anesthesia, they’ll likely be held liable. CRNAs aren’t immune to malpractice claims; in fact, they’re more liable in claims stemming from errors in administering epidural or negligent care before or after surgery. Claims regarding the effectiveness of anesthesia or side effects generally target anesthesiologists.

Find CRNA Malpractice Coverage With Baxter & Associates

We hope our explainer has helped you understand the key distinctions between CRNA and anesthesiologists. While not as liable, CRNAs still need CRNA malpractice insurance to protect themselves against claims of negligence and errors. If you’re a CRNA needing malpractice insurance, contact Baxter & Associates for help finding the ideal policy.

Medical malpractice is a major concern for doctors, dentists, CRNAs, and other medical professionals in the United States, but it hasn’t always been that way. Below, we’ll guide you through the history of medical malpractice in the United States and briefly touch on some landmark cases in the field.

Defining Medical Malpractice in the US

In the United States, medical malpractice is defined as the failure of a healthcare professional to provide a standard of care that a reasonably competent healthcare professional in a similar field would have provided under the same circumstances. This can include treatment errors, diagnostic errors, or errors in management that result in harm or injury to a patient.

Historical Context of Medical Malpractice Lawsuits

Medical malpractice lawsuits in the US can be traced back to the 1800s. During this time, malpractice cases were relatively uncommon, and damages awarded to plaintiffs were considerably less than they are today. However, with advancements in medicine and public awareness, cases began to rise in the latter half of the 19th century. This increase prompted the development of malpractice laws to safeguard patients’ rights and maintain professional standards among healthcare practitioners.

The first known medical malpractice case in the US was in 1794 when a doctor was sued for causing the arm paralysis of his patient during surgery. However, it wasn’t until the 1900s that medical malpractice cases significantly rose, largely as a result of the growth and influence of professional medical organizations such as the American Medical Association (AMA).

Landmark Cases and Their Impact on Modern Lawsuits

Several landmark cases have shaped the landscape of medical malpractice lawsuits in the United States. These cases have helped establish precedents and contributed to the evolution of legal standards surrounding medical negligence.

One such landmark case is Reibl v. Hughes (1978), which established the concept of informed consent. This case clarified that healthcare professionals are legally required to provide patients with all the necessary information regarding their medical condition, available treatment options, possible risks, and potential outcomes of a procedure to enable them to make an informed decision.

Another important case in the history of medical malpractice in the United States is Tarasoff v. Regents of the University of California (1976), which highlighted the principle of duty to warn. This case stated that mental health professionals must warn potential victims if a patient presents a credible threat of violence toward them.

Get Protected for Malpractice With Baxter & Associates

As a healthcare professional, you must take proactive measures to protect yourself from malpractice claims. As a provider of CRNA liability insurance and medical malpractice coverage for dentists, doctors, and other physicians, Baxter & Associates understands the important points of malpractice law and how it can affect an individual. If you need medical malpractice coverage, you can find a quote for a policy online or contact our staff to discuss your insurance options.

Professional liability, or malpractice insurance, is essential for medical professionals. It protects them from the financial consequences of lawsuits and claims arising from patient treatment and care. As a medical professional, choosing the right malpractice insurance is crucial for safeguarding your career and personal assets in the event of a claim. We’ll share some key things to consider when buying malpractice insurance.

Assess Your Risks

Every medical professional’s needs vary according to their practice specialty, location, and other factors. Assess your the risks of your field to choose the appropriate coverage. Consider the frequency of malpractice claims within your specialty, and know the regulations and coverage requirements of your location.

Scope of Coverage

Evaluate the scope of coverage offered by the insurance policy you’re considering. Look for an insurance policy that covers claims arising from all your professional services, including telemedicine, clinical trials, and volunteer work.

Claims-Made vs. Occurrence Policies

Malpractice insurance policies include two types: claims-made and occurrence policies. Claims-made policies cover incidents that happen and are reported during the active policy period. Occurrence policies cover incidents during the policy period, regardless of when they’re reported. The right policy type depends on your specialty, risk factors, and budget.

Insurance Limits

Insurance limits refer to the maximum amount an insurer will pay for an individual claim and the total claims in a policy year. Choose coverage limits that meet your financial risk tolerance, and adhere to your state’s regulatory requirements.

Reputation of the Insurance Provider

Evaluate the reputation and financial stability of the insurance provider by reviewing their track record, licensing, ratings, and customer testimonials. Also, consider their experience in serving other medical professionals within your specialty.

Tail Coverage

Another thing to consider when buying malpractice insurance is whether you require tail coverage, or extended reporting period (ERP) coverage. It protects you against claims filed after terminating a claims-made policy. If you choose a claims-made policy, consider purchasing tail coverage to stay protected.

Premiums and Discounts

Premiums and discounts vary among insurers. While shopping for malpractice insurance, compare quotes and identify the most cost-effective option without compromising coverage. You may also qualify for discounts based on risk management practices, claim history, and professional affiliations.

Customer Service and Claims Support

Choose an insurer that provides exceptional customer service and claims-handling support. Efficient claim support lets you focus on your practice while your insurer handles the legal aspects of a malpractice claim.

Let Baxter & Associates Help You Find Malpractice Insurance

Buying malpractice insurance is a big decision. If you need help finding an ideal insurance policy, Baxter & Associates can help. We’ve assisted many medical professionals find the liability policies they need, like chiropractic liability insurance. Visit our website to get a quote for our services, or contact our staff to learn more today.

Medical malpractice is a serious issue in healthcare and often leads to costly claims, damaged reputations, and even loss of license for medical professionals. Despite this, many myths persist and make it difficult for doctors, dentists, and other medical professionals to navigate the complexities of malpractice insurance. We’ll explore some common misconceptions about medical malpractice and offer tips on avoiding claims.

All Medical Errors Are Considered Malpractice

Medical errors are unfortunate, but not all errors qualify as malpractice. For a situation to be considered malpractice, the patient must have proof of negligence and that the error caused them harm. A malpractice claim without one or the other would be dismissed, as it fails to meet the legal requirements of malpractice. Other legal requirements for malpractice include a professional duty owed to the patient and negligence resulting in damages.

Only Surgeons and Specialists Face Malpractice Risks

While surgeons are the most common targets of malpractice claims because of their work’s high degree of difficulty, they’re not the only people affected. Every healthcare professional faces some level of malpractice risk. Dentists, nurse practitioners, anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs), and many more can be liable for their actions. Therefore, all medical professionals must have adequate malpractice insurance coverage.

Malpractice Claims Always Result From a Poor Outcome

While adverse outcomes can lead to malpractice claims, not every negative outcome is related to negligence. Some treatments may come with inherent risks, and many factors can influence patient outcomes beyond the provider’s control. Even a positive surgical outcome can lead to a malpractice suit if the patient experiences unexpected negative side effects.

Malpractice Insurance Only Covers Legal Costs

Malpractice insurance often covers legal defense fees and serves as a financial safety net, covering settlements and damages awarded to patients. As a medical professional, you must understand the scope of your coverage and adjust it as needed.

Patients Frequently File Frivolous Lawsuits

Negative perceptions surround medical malpractice lawsuits, and many people assume that some patients are just trying to make a buck by taking advantage of the legal system. While frivolous lawsuits can occur, most patients file suits due to legitimate issues with their care. Medical professionals should focus on providing quality care and maintaining strong communication with their patients to lower their risk of facing a claim.

Malpractice Claims Always Go to Court

Another common misconception about medical malpractice is that all lawsuits make it to court. However, many malpractice claims are settled out of court or resolved through alternative dispute resolution methods. These methods save time and money for both sides.

The insured should work with their insurance company to find the best approach that fits their unique circumstances.

State-Mandated Minimum Coverage Is Enough

While most states in the US require medical professionals to carry malpractice insurance, state-mandated minimums may not offer sufficient coverage. For those practicing in high-risk specialties, like cardiovascular surgery or obstetrics, greater coverage is ideal because these professions often see higher settlements. Care providers should consider the risks unique to their practice and choose an appropriate level of coverage.

Good Doctors Don’t Get Sued

Medical malpractice claims often have nothing to do with the ability of the targeted medical professional. Even the most competent healthcare providers can face malpractice claims. Accidents and communication mishaps happen, so insurance coverage is crucial for all medical professionals.

The Younger the Patient, the Higher the Settlement

While age may play a role in calculating settlement amounts, the severity of the injury and the level of negligence involved determine settlements. Malpractice cases have no guarantees, so medical care providers should avoid relying on generalizations.

All Malpractice Insurers Offer the Same Coverage

Medical professionals often believe that most malpractice coverage is a one-size-fits-all plan. However, this is not the case.

Carefully review your policy and work with a trusted insurance representative to understand the nuances of your coverage. Insurance carriers offer different policies, so select one that best meets your needs.

How To Protect Yourself From Medical Malpractice Claims

Ideally, you would never face a malpractice lawsuit. These tips can help you avoid problems and reduce the chance of being targeted for medical malpractice.

Prioritize Patient Communication

The source of a malpractice claim often comes from a patient’s frustration at not being heard or listened to. Clear and detailed communication can help you build strong relationships with your patients and prevent misunderstandings that could lead to malpractice claims against you. Maintain open lines of communication and actively listen to your patient’s concerns.

Stay Up-to-Date on Best Practices

Another source of malpractice is a medical provider operating outside their expertise. Continuing education is crucial in the medical field, and providers must stay current on best practices. This includes understanding any changes or updates in laws or regulations related to their specialty.

Keep Thorough Records

Accurate and detailed record-keeping is critical in defending you against malpractice claims. Keep in mind that a patient’s chart is often cited as evidence if a malpractice claim goes to court. Ensure all patient notes are complete, legible, and updated to avoid discrepancies in patient care and your defence.

Implement Risk Management Strategies

Medical care providers can work with their insurance company or join a risk management program to identify and mitigate potential risks in their practice. This can include implementing on-site safety protocols, regularly reviewing patient records, and improving communication with patients.

Review Your Malpractice Insurance Policy Regularly

As your practice evolves or if you face a change in specialty or location, you should review and adjust your malpractice insurance coverage. This is especially important if you recently adopted greater responsibilities in a new position. Ensure your policy reflects your responsibilities. Don’t assume your current policy will cover new risks.

Let Baxter & Associates Help You Stay Protected From Malpractice Claims

Many myths surround negligence and malpractice claims in healthcare. The best thing you can do is protect yourself with a quality malpractice insurance plan. Baxter & Associates helps many medical providers find the policies they need to stay protected, including CRNA malpractice insurance. Get a free quote for our services today, or contact our staff to learn more about medical malpractice insurance.