What do Gastroenterologists need to know about malpractice insurance.

Insurance companies do not consider gastroenterologists to have a high risk of being sued for malpractice. For this reason, premiums for medical malpractice insurance will usually be relatively low. It may seem      that gastroenterologists do have an increased risk of being sued because of the invasive nature of their specialty. However, research has shown that no such increased risk exists. Liability insurance premiums      for gastroenterologists vary widely based on the location of the practice and the specific procedures performed.

In gastroenterology, the most common causes of malpractice claims are diagnosis errors and improper performance of procedures. To minimize the likelihood of a lawsuit for an error in diagnosis, physicians should keep careful records of each case, including the thought processes behind the diagnosis and the elimination of other diagnoses. This kind of record can be extremely helpful in court if there is a lawsuit. If a physician realizes that there is a possibility a claim could be made because of improper performance of a procedure, it is important to use effective communication. An honest, straightforward, and direct style of communication reduces the likelihood that a patient will sue. If a mistake has been made, it is a good idea to acknowledge it and to express sympathy for the patient; an apology is never an admission of malpractice but will sometimes convince a patient not to sue.

As a specialty, gastroenterology is undergoing a period of change. The specialty’s focus is shifting      to using imaging technologies. An article in Gastroenterology, the specialty’s premiere professional journal, opines that endoscopy has become “an annuity for the survival of academic programs and clinical practices, and the greatest respect goes to those who endoscope the most and the fastest.” This rush toward new technologies presents a liability risk.  Malpractice law is based on precedent and accepted standards of responsible care, which is generally established through physician consensus. New technologies are in uncertain legal territory, and physicians should practice careful risk management when using them.

In addition to using risk management techniques, gastroenterologists who are concerned about the medical liability environment and rising medical malpractice insurance premiums should support advocates of tort reform. In its position statement on medical liability reform, the American Gastroenterological Association, a leading specialty organization, recommends reforms including limits on attorney fees, statutes of limitations, limits on noneconomic damages, and changes in the rules for expert witnesses in malpractice cases. The AGA website also has a tool that allows gastroenterologists to contact their legislators and urge them to support tort reform.

How much does malpractice insurance cost for Gastroenterologists.

The cost of gastroenterologist’s malpractice insurance varies greatly dependent on your scope of practice and locality. Gastroenterologists can buy both claims made and occurrence coverage. When shopping for coverage, always choose an agent that understands your unique situation so they can place you with the right insurance company.  Dig deeper into how much medical malpractice insurance costs.

Why physicians choose Cunningham Group.

Gastroenterologists choose Cunningham Group because we are one of the few medical malpractice insurance agencies that take the time to understanding of your specific employment situation. We will work with the major insurance carriers in your state to find you a policy that meets your specific needs. And, by shopping you to all the major carriers, we can also make certain you pay the lowest cost for your professional liability coverage needs.

During the insurance application process, be sure to ask your med mal insurance agent about any discounts you may be eligible for. Are you “new to practice?” Are you working less than full-time? Are you interested in taking online risk management courses offered by the insurance company to lower your rates? Cunningham Group has helped thousands of Gastroenterologists maximize their savings.

Does it cost you extra to work with a malpractice insurance agent or broker.

Our service costs you nothing. In the medical malpractice insurance industry, agent commissions are already built into your premium. You pay the same amount for coverage whether you use an agent or purchase directly from the insurance company. Let us be your advocate. Request your free medical malpractice insurance quote now.

The Ultimate Medical Malpractice Insurance Guide.

We’ve created the ultimate medical malpractice insurance guide physicians that can answer almost any question you may have — either before you buy or while you have an active policy. This guide applies to all healthcare professionals in every state.

Resources for Gastroenterologists.

Gastroenterology (journal)
Find Gastroenterologists
American College of Gastroenterology
American Gastroenterological Association
American Journal of Gastroenterology
Nature Reviews Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Therapeutic Advances in Gastroenterology