Insurance for Dialysis Centers

Malpractice insurance is crucial for dialysis centers. This is highlighted by a recent $29 million settlement awarded to a kidney patient in Illinois. The lawsuit detailed multiple failures in his care that forced him to undergo a kidney transplant.

The judge highlighted the “overwhelming negligence” of a nurse at the East St. Louis health clinic, where the man was being treated. The nurse failed to consult a doctor, follow up on lab results or properly educate the patient about his condition.

Another notable settlement involved DaVita Inc., which settled for $55 million over allegations of overusing the anemia medication Epogen. The lawsuit claimed that DaVita’s practices led to unnecessary medical treatments, posing significant risks to patients.

Insurance for Dialysis Centers can include:

Bodily Injury Coverage
Property Damage Coverage
Premises Liability including slips, trips, and falls
Completed Operations Coverage
Personal and Advertising Injury including Defamation (slander or libel)
Medical Payments Coverage
Legal Defense Costs
Legal defense expenses covered in addition to liability limits
Abuse and Molestation (SAM) Coverage (limited coverage)

Why do Dialysis Centers need Malpractice Insurance

Dialysis face a number of unique challenges they face, including :

Regulatory compliance: Dialysis centers must comply with various local, state, and federal regulations related to licensing, safety, and care standards. .
Liability risks: Dialysis centers face potential liability risks due to the nature of the care they provide. These risks include claims of malpractice, misdiagnosis, or errors in treatment. Dialysis centers should have appropriate liability coverage, such as general liability and professional liability insurance, to protect against these risks.
Staffing issues: Dialysis centers may face challenges in hiring and retaining qualified staff to provide care for patients. Employment practices liability insurance (EPLI) can help protect dialysis centers from claims related to employment practices, such as wrongful termination, discrimination, or harassment.
Property risks: Dialysis centers must protect their physical assets, such as the facility itself and any specialized equipment or furnishings, from damage or loss due to events like fire, theft, or natural disasters. Property insurance is essential for covering these risks.
Privacy and data security: Dialysis centers are responsible for maintaining the privacy and security of patients’ personal and medical information. Cyber liability insurance can help protect dialysis centers from financial losses and legal liabilities that may arise from data breaches or cyberattacks.
Business interruption: Dialysis centers may experience interruptions in operations due to events like natural disasters, pandemics, or other unforeseen circumstances. Business interruption insurance can help replace lost income and pay ongoing expenses if the dialysis center is forced to close temporarily.
Equipment breakdown: Dialysis centers rely on specialized equipment to provide care for their patients. Equipment breakdown insurance can help cover the costs of repairing or replacing equipment that breaks down due to mechanical or electrical failure.

Westwood Insurance Group will work with you to assess the policies of different insurance carriers and find the most suitable coverage for your particular circumstances.