Internal Medicine Malpractice Insurance
Internal medicine is a medical specialty focusing on disease in adults, including its diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Practitioners of internal medicine are called internists, and they should not be confused with similar specialists in family practice or general practice. According to the American College of Physicians, internists are defined explicitly as “physicians who specialize in the prevention, detection and treatment of illnesses in adults.” The specialty is extremely broad, so the American Board of Internal Medicine encompasses many subspecialties, including cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, hematology, infectious disease, medical oncology, nephrology, pulmonology, rheumatology, adolescent medicine, clinical cardiac electrophysiology, critical care medicine, geriatric medicine, hospice and palliative medicine, sleep medicine and sports medicine.
Since internal medicine and its subspecialties do not generally involve surgery or other high-risk procedures, medical malpractice insurers view the specialty as a relatively low risk, and premiums for internists’ insurance are at the lower end of the spectrum. Premiums are set differently by each insurer, with most considering specialty factors like geographic location, specific procedures and treatments performed as well as other details of the individual practice. One of the most important factors when an insurance carrier sets a price for Internal Medicine physician is the state in which the practice is located.
In addition to taking extra care and becoming educated in these high-risk areas of internal medicine, physicians should employ generalized risk management techniques. Many malpractice insurers provide risk management techniques and advice for their policyholders free of charge, sometimes even offering risk management discounts on premiums. Risk management offerings can include courses and seminars, as well as physical inspections of the practice. Physicians who are concerned about their exposure to malpractice lawsuits should take advantage of these services.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Why are my malpractice premiums lower than my surgical colleagues?
Internal medicine is considered a low–moderate risk specialty because it involves fewer high-risk, high-severity procedures.
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What will actually determine my individual premium?
Your state, procedures performed, and practice details are the top factors influencing your premium.
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I practice in [my state] – is location really that important for my costs?
Yes, state-level litigation climate and tort reform have a major impact on internal medicine premiums.
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I’m considering relocating to another state – how much could this change my insurance costs?
Relocating to a tort-reform state can reduce your premiums by thousands of dollars annually.
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I’m thinking about pursuing a subspecialty – will this affect my malpractice insurance?
Yes, subspecialties involving procedures may have higher rates than cognitive subspecialties.
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Which internal medicine subspecialties might have different insurance costs?
Interventional and critical care specialties typically cost more; cognitive subspecialties cost less.
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I’m certified in multiple subspecialties – how does this affect my coverage?
Your premium is based on what you actually do, not the number of certifications you hold.
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My insurer offers free risk management courses – are these actually worth my time?
Yes, they improve defensibility and often qualify you for premium discounts.
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How much can I save with risk management discounts?
Discounts vary, but many insurers reduce premiums for completing approved courses or inspections.
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What kind of risk management resources are available to me?
Courses, seminars, practice inspections, and ongoing consultation are typically free with your policy.
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Should I participate in my insurer’s practice inspection program?
Yes, it identifies liability risks and often qualifies you for discounts
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What are the “high-risk areas” in internal medicine I should focus on?
Delayed cancer/cardiac diagnoses, medication errors, and poor documentation are the top risk areas.
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Should I bother comparing quotes if internal medicine already has low premiums?
Yes, even low premiums vary widely between carriers and states
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How do I know I’m getting the best rate for my state and practice type?
Use an independent broker who can compare all major carriers in your state.
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What information should I have ready when applying for coverage?
You’ll need your state, subspecialty, procedures, practice details, and claims history.
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I’m concerned about my malpractice exposure – what should I do?
Use your insurer’s free risk management services and strengthen documentation in high-risk areas.
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How can I stay current on best practices for liability prevention?
Take insurer-provided courses and stay updated through risk-management programs.
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Where can I find professional support and resources?
ACP, ABIM, and subspecialty organizations are the best resources for internists.
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How do I get started finding the best coverage for my situation?
Compare quotes across multiple carriers with a broker who understands internal medicine.