Did you know that 20 percent of physicians are sued for malpractice every year in the United States? In fact, about half of all medical doctors will be sued by patients at least once in their careers. If you’re a neurosurgeon, your chances of being sued are even higher than for other specialists. Let’s talk about why neurosurgery should be covered by malpractice insurance and where you can go for outdtanding neurosurgery in St. Louis, MO.
Malpractice Insurance May Be Required in Your State
Malpractice insurance is an essential protection every physician should carry, particularly if you are a high-risk provider, such as an OB/GYN doctor, or the highest risk of all, a neurosurgeon. That being said, no federal law requires physicians of any specialty, including high-risk practices, to carry insurance. However, some states–though few–do mandate this of doctors and other health care providers.
What Happens If You Are Sued by a Patient
It’s the patient and law team’s task to prove that a neurosurgeon has been negligent in delivering care–either for acute or chronic conditions– through non-operative and surgical treatments. Most litigation against neurosurgeons results from difficulties after spinal surgery, and the average lawsuit seeks monetary damages above $400,000.
The court and jury look at how the doctor may have been negligent. Was there an injury? Did the neurosurgeon cause it? Did the doctor fail to do his or her duty? Did the doctor commit a breach of practice in terms of bad or insufficient treatment methods? If the patient proves the neurosurgeon is accountable, then substantial financial compensation is paid.
Frankly, lawsuits can turn a physician’s world upside down. That’s why protection with quality malpractice insurance is so important.
What’s at Stake for the Neurosurgeon Being Sued?
Think about it. If you are a neurosurgeon with pending litigation, your reputation as a physician and surgeon is on the line. Additionally, your personal assets may be seized in part or in their entirety to pay court-ordered compensation, or at the very least, your ability to earn a high income will be impaired. Many physicians, including neurosurgeons, elect to limit their practices–even if they have no pending or past malpractice litigation–because they fear a loss of wealth.
Additionally, researchers note thatmany physicians across the United States fear malpractice claims so much that they practice defensive medicine. What is defensive medicine? This consists of:
- More and more tests which patients may or may not need
- High costs to patients and to health insurance companies
- A high attrition rate (doctors leaving the profession), scaled-back practices, and early retirements
In short, physicians, patients, and the healthcare system across the country suffer.
eQuoteMD Delivers High Quality Malpractice Insurance for All Specialties
Your malpractice insurance premiums vary by your medical speciality, location, history of claims, a facility where you practice, and more. As a malpractice insurance broker, eQuoteMD carefully analyses the individual doctor’s risks and preferences and finds the best possible coverage at the lowest premium.
The companies we work with are reputable and deliver excellent customer service in the event of malpractice litigation. They deliver the safety net you, your career, and your patients deserve.
Contact us for a complimentary insurance quote. We’re here to serve you and provide you with excellent coverage options. Or, you may callour St. Louis, MO, office at (855) 823-5283. We work in all 50 states and with all medical specialties, including neurosurgery.
