Gallagher : Malpractice Insurance Blog
What Are The Risks of Having Health Records Online?
Protect your practice from telehealth malpractice claims with comprehensive malpractice liability insurance from Gallagher Healthcare. Request a quote today.
Read MoreWhat Evidence is Needed to Prove Malpractice?
Our experts at Gallagher Healthcare discuss when patients can sue for medical malpractice.
Read MoreMalpractice vs. Negligence - What's The Difference?
Gallagher Healthcare has helped over 60,000 physicians secure cost-effective medical malpractice liability insurance. Request a quote online today!
Read MoreWhen Does Dental Malpractice Occur?
Gallagher Healthcare has helped over 60,000 physicians secure cost-effective medical malpractice liability insurance. Request a quote online today!
Read MoreEverything You Need to Know About Insurance Loss Runs
Having an insurance policy in place for your medical practice can provide security for greater peace of mind. However, as a policyholder, you may not think about your insurance other than when you need to pay your premium or file a claim.
Read MoreThe Critical Importance of Acquiring Proper Medical Clearance
When medical malpractice claims occur, it pays to be prepared. Learn the importance of proper medical clearance and contact Gallagher Malpractice for a quote!
Read MoreWhat is Conscious Sedation and How is It Performed?
What is conscious sedation? How does it differ from general anesthesia? Click here to learn more about the medication and how to use it safely.
Read MoreEverything You Need To Know About The Importance of Risk Management Plans
Risk management plans are an essential aspect of any business to ensure efficiency. Learn more about what risk management is and why it is important.
Read MoreExpert Tips for Handling, Storing and Organizing Medical Records
As medical record-keeping technology has advanced, a robust and organized record-keeping method remains essential. Learn more with Gallagher Malpractice!
Read MoreCyber Security Checklist for 2022
What benefits can cyber insurance coverage provide for businesses? What kind of policy should you sign your company onto? Learn more with Gallagher.
Read MoreWho Typically Pays for Malpractice Insurance?
While physicians are highly trained, they're still human — and they can still make mistakes. Medical malpractice insurance is a form of professional liability insurance that protects and covers physicians and healthcare professionals from claims or litigation for alleged malpractice or negligence.
Read MoreWhat is Minimum Earned Premium?
If you are a doctor or work for a doctor’s office, you pay a premium each year to get medical malpractice insurance. Find out what a minimum earned premium is!
Read MoreWhat Is Absolute Liability?
Many physicians do not fully understand the definition of absolute liability. Learn more and discover exactly what is absolute liability!
Read MoreRisk Management Classifications
Insurance is often concerned with risk, or the potential for damages and harm that can occur in the future. Find out the risk management classifications!
Read MoreResources for Physicians
Physicians and medical professionals need to have access to information all the time. Helpful online resources such as blogs and medical information websites for physicians can help medical professionals gain access to the information they need when they need it. Check out our list of the best medical resources for physicians.
Read MoreHighest Malpractice Insurance by Specialty
Different specialties pay different premiums based on their likelihood of being sued. Find out what specialties have the highest malpractice insurance costs.
Read MoreWhat Does Medical Malpractice Insurance Cover?
Medical professionals require a separate class of insurance known as medical malpractice coverage, since their practices are especially subject to risk and since claims in this field can be substantial. Learn more about medical malpractice insurance and what exactly it covers.
Read MoreDigital Distractions in Healthcare
Interruptions and distractions in healthcare are a reality for most physicians, nurses, surgeons and other medical professionals. Learn more about digital distractions and their impact on patient safety.
Read MoreThe Importance of Patient Informed Consent
In any medical setting, decisions are made often. Doctors need to reach a diagnosis, then decide which treatment makes the most sense based on a patient’s needs. Find out what informed content means and why it is so important.
Read MoreEffective Communication in a Medical Office
Communication is vital to ensuring quality care in any medical office or practice. Every part of a physician’s practice relies heavily on effective communication. Learn more and find out how to effectively communicate in a medical office.
Read MoreWhat Are the Different Types of Medical Practices?
Patients have different needs, so different types of medical practices exist to deliver the most effective medical care. Find out the different types of medical practices.
Read MoreDrug Diversion: What It Is and How You Can Protect Your Practice From It
Substance abuse is a major problem in the United States, but the majority of this problem is attributed to prescription drugs. Many individuals with addiction conditions use prescription drug fraud and drug diversion to secure medicine. Learn more about what drug diversion is and how you can prevent it.
Read MoreTypes of Managed Care Organizations
Managed care organizations fall into 3 main categories; Health Maintenance Organizations, Preferred Provider Organizations, & Point of Service Organizations. Click to learn more!
Read MoreWhat Are Economic and Non-Economic Damages?
When a medical malpractice claim is filed, damages may be awarded to the plaintiff if they can establish a doctor was liable for injuries. Find out what economic and non-economic damages are.
Read MoreDo Nurses Need Medical Malpractice Insurance?
While doctors carry medical malpractice insurance, many nurses do not. Find out why it is important to have the right professional liability insurance policy in place if you are a nurse or nurse practitioner.
Read MoreWhat is Vicarious Liability?
Increasing numbers of small practices and doctors are hiring advanced practice providers or independent contractors to help make their work more effective and to serve patients better. However, hiring contractors and APPs carries unique liability risks. Find what vicarious liability is and how you can reduce your risk.
Read MoreWhat is Data Breach Insurance?
As more of the medical field becomes digitized, concerns about cyber security and data breaches grow. Learn more about data breach insurance and why it is so important.
Read MoreQuestions You Should Ask Before Purchasing Medical Malpractice Insurance
Medical malpractice insurance is not only the law, but it provides a layer of protection in the event of claims, including false claims. If you have been considering your coverage, consider these medical malpractice questions to ask your insurance company or agency.
Read MoreThe 23 Best Medical Apps for Doctors
Many professional industries rely heavily on apps to help you become a better medical professional. Find out the 23 best medical apps for doctors today.
Read MoreSocial Media for Physicians
While it may not seem evident at first, doctors and social media can make an excellent combination. As a doctor, harnessing the power of the Internet by establishing a strong online presence can provide a variety of benefits.
Read MoreAdvantages and Disadvantages of Electronic Health Records
An electronic health record (EHR) is a computerized collection of patient information in a digital format. Find out the advantages and disadvantages of electronic health records.
Read MoreThe Importance of Patient Follow-Up Care
Timely follow-up with patients is vital for ensuring they're moving forward with the prescribed treatment plan. Find out more about the importance of patient follow-up care.
Read MoreThe Importance of Patient Satisfaction in Healthcare
These days, delivering top-notch medical care involves more than just helping the patient get well. Learn more about the importance of patient satisfaction in healthcare.
Read MoreImportance of Doctor-Patient Communication
Clear communication is essential to the success of any relationship, especially the one that exists between a physician and their patient. Learn more about the importance of doctor-patient communication.
Read MoreJob Outlook for Physicians
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare should benefit from an abundance of job opportunities in the foreseeable future. Learn more about the job outlook for physicians.
Read MoreData Security Breaches in Healthcare
Healthcare data breaches are all-too-common occurrences these days, and they pose a significant liability. Find out more about data security breaches in the healthcare industry and how you can prevent them.
Read MoreWhat Are the Different Types of Hospitals?
With the growing complexity of the healthcare system, there are so many different types of hospitals and medical facilities for patients to choose from. Find out what the different types of hospitals are and what differentiates them from one another.
Read MoreHow Much Does Medical Malpractice Insurance Cost?
Medical Malpractice Insurance costs tend to vary among states, specialties, & many other factors. Click here a get a full expert overview of these costs.
Read MoreHow Stand-Alone Medical Malpractice Tail Policies Can Save Money
The medical malpractice insurance environment is always changing and it's hard to know if you're getting the best deal. Click here to learn more about how stand-alone medical malpractice tail policies could save you money.
Read MoreClaims vs. Occurrence Medical Malpractice Insurance Explained
Claims made and occurrence policies in medical malpractice insurance can be hard to understand. Click here to learn the difference between the two and what they can offer your practice.
Read MoreThe Differences Between Medical Malpractice Insurance Deductibles
One of the most confusing elements of medical malpractice insurance is often the deductable. Learn more about this aspect of your coverage and how to make sure that it meets your exact needs.
Read MoreBenefits of Slot Coverage for Medical Malpractice Insurance
If your practice involves part-time and full-time physicians, you may feel that you're being overcharged for medical malpractice insurance. Find out if slot coverage is the right option for you.
Read MoreThe Election and Healthcare Reform
On November 8, 2016, Donald J. Trump was elected the 45th President of the United States of America. As of Wednesday morning, Mr. Trump had won 276 electoral votes – 270 electoral votes were needed to win the Presidential election. Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton (again as of Wednesday morning) had won 218 electoral votes.
Read MoreMedical Device Cybersecurity
The risks of failure of computer network security and unauthorized disclosure of private information are well-established in healthcare. 2015 was a noteworthy year for large breaches in healthcare, with major hacks against payers and providers, including Anthem and UCLA. In early 2016, the threat of intrusion from ransomware came to the foreground, with Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital publicly disclosing a threat against them and paying a ransom, and many other providers announcing that they also routinely face such attacks (while not necessarily paying the ransom demanded). These ransomware demands threaten the ongoing business activities of the provider, but also patient care and reputation as well.This paper will review the cyber security risks that medical devices may present and how current insurances may respond to bodily injury exposures. We will also examine the current regulatory oversight of medical device software and security and provide a framework to analyze which insurance policies might respond to the breach, the parties that might be implicated in the chain of responsibility and how those policies collectively respond to bodily injury arising out of the failure of security of a medical device.
Read MoreRecent Scam - Social Engineering Fraud Endorsement
In recent weeks, a number of our clients have experienced scams that all have similar characteristics. The following is a representative example of the sort of activity we are seeing:Our client’s CFO received what appeared to be an email from the company CEO instructing him to wire funds to another bank to support a proposed real estate transaction. Everything about this email appeared authentic and the request was not out of the realm of normal business transactions for our client, but it soon became clear that the email was sent from a third-party thief. Learn more about this type of scam...
Read MoreEquipment Maintenance Alternatives
Let’s begin with full disclosure - I don’t buy maintenance agreements or extended warranties of any for any type for any type of product; including cars, refrigerators, cell phones, computers, printers, couches, driveways or anything else. Some might argue that it is prudent to warranty some of these items. However, my view is that in the long-run, it doesn’t make sense.Now don’t get me wrong; I think there is a place for the short-term standard warranty that you automatically get when buying a product. There is always the possibility that you could wind up with a “lemon.” But financing extended warranties may not be the best decision for your organization.Extended maintenance agreements are financial instruments. A good CFO is always looking to save money and get the best return on investment. Below we examine the pros and cons of these products.
Read MoreHumidity Levels in Surgical Settings
Recently, risk managers around the country have been called into internal discussions regarding “humidity requirements” in a surgical setting or operating room (OR). What are they? What should we be doing? What is required? There have been a number of questions and conflicting interpretations of standards concerning relative humidity requirements (especially in California). In addition to the confusion we have seen about standards interpretation, there is also a “be careful what you wish for…” scenario that has developed.
Read MoreIncreased Healthcare M&A Activity: Representation and Warranty Insurance Coverage
The business of managing and operating health care facilities has grown increasingly more complex since the enactment of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in 2010 and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Heath Act (HITECH) in 2009. Each medical facility must conform to a variety of new rules and regulations that include, but are not limited to: the adoption of Electronic Health Records (EHR), and the preparation for the transition to the 10th revision for the International Classification for Diseases (ICD-10) by October 1, 2015. The result has been a dramatic increase in healthcare mergers and acquisitions, as practice and facility budgets are not prepared to absorb the associated costs and additional liabilities.
Read MoreHIPAA Impact on Risk Management
Today everyone in the healthcare industry is aware of the impact of HIPAA, (the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) on their daily activities. Protection of patient privacy is a paramount concern as release of patient information can have serious consequences for the patient as well as the provider. While every healthcare worker has an awareness of these regulations, few realize how easily an infraction of policy can be committed, and the associated risk to management is significant.
Read MoreMedical Malpractice Discounts - Are you maximizing yours?
When searching the market for medical malpractice insurance, it is incredibly important to make sure you are receiving all of the discounts you deserve. There are multiple ways in which you can save, and without a broker, you will likely overlook these opportunities. There are many different discount opportunities that can vary from carrier to carrier. Some of the most common opportunities for savings include board certification, new doctor discounts, risk management credits, claims free history, part time, group discounts, and JCAHO.
Read MoreBest Practices in Reducing Patient Transfer Claims
During a nursing in-service the following question was posed to the nurses: “How many of you go home with sore backs and need to take something to sleep at night because of it?” With most of the nurses raising their hands, we wanted to assure them they do not have to go home in pain and worry about if they will remain healthy until retirement.
Read MoreSocial Media and Healthcare Best Friends or Worst Enemies
Social media isn’t just a fad. Facebook is a $100 billion company with 1.1 billion users, LinkedIn has over 200 million users throughout 200 countries, Twitter has successfully filed its initial public offering, and Google is one of the most valuable and powerful companies on the planet. The social media revolution has affected every industry, yet it poses unique challenges for the healthcare sector.
Read MoreWhat to learn from a carrier’s combined ratio
The combined ratio is an important aspect of any insurance carrier that brokers study in order to better service their clients with their medical malpractice insurance policy. Before we demonstrate what to look at when studying this ratio, we will first explain how it is calculated.
Read MoreWhat Are the True Risks of Vicarious Liability?
As medical practices expand in size, an increased number of professionals come into contact with patients. This has many positive results: patients can get multiple opinions and diagnoses, allowing their treatment to be more well-rounded, and doctors can expand their patient network by bringing nurse practitioners and physician assistants on board. However, these additions can also bring added risk to doctors in the form of vicarious liability.
Read MoreDeciphering who covers your tail
When it comes down to who is responsible for purchasing your medical malpractice insurance tail when you are leaving a group should always be discussed and agreed upon in a contract at the beginning of your employment. If this was not previously addressed then there are different situations that can arise, each one depending on either the group you are leaving or if you are joining a new group. One way that can happen is that you end up having to pay for your tail if both, the group you have left or the group you are switching to refuse to purchase it on your behalf. The next could be if that you do not feel that you need to tail, but your old group does not feel comfortable having a period of no coverage then they would end up buying it. Another outcome is that the new group agrees to pay percentages of your tail, but depending on the number of years that you keep practicing with them. For instance, a new group could make a deal with you that if you leave after the first year then you must pay for your own tail, after two years then you would both split the costs, and if you stay with them for three or more then they cover all of the costs. These are all possible to happen; it just depends on who has more leverage in the situation.
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