Insurance for Surgical Facilities

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The fastest way to find the most suitable insurance coverage for surgical facilities is to fill out our quick quote form, so we can give you an idea of the type of insurance coverage that best suits you.

Westwood Insurance works with a number of different carriers to ensure you have the most suitable insurance coverage at the best price.

Why do Surgical Facilities need Insurance?

Surgical facilities face numerous challenges that necessitate the need for malpractice or liability insurance. These challenges arise from the inherent risks associated with surgical procedures, the complexity of patient care, and the high expectations for successful outcomes. Here are key areas where surgical facilities are vulnerable to being sued for malpractice:

1. Surgical Errors: This includes wrong-site surgery, incorrect procedures, leaving instruments or sponges inside the patient, and other mistakes made during surgery. Such errors can lead to significant patient harm, prolonged recovery, additional surgeries, and, in severe cases, death.

2. Anesthesia Complications: Complications arising from anesthesia can have devastating consequences, including brain damage, asphyxia, allergic reactions, and even death. Anesthesiologists and CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists) are highly trained, but errors or unforeseen reactions can still occur.

3. Postoperative Infections: Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant risk, potentially leading to sepsis, prolonged hospitalization, and additional surgeries. Facilities may be held liable if inadequate infection control practices are found to have contributed to an infection.

4. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Patients must be fully informed about the risks, benefits, alternatives, and potential outcomes of surgical procedures. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can result in legal action if patients experience adverse outcomes that they were not adequately warned about.

5. Postoperative Care Negligence: Inadequate monitoring and care in the postoperative period can lead to complications such as infections, hemorrhage, or delayed identification of complications arising from the surgery. Facilities are responsible for ensuring that postoperative care meets standard protocols.

6. Medication Errors: Errors in prescribing, dispensing, or administering medications can occur in the preoperative and postoperative periods, leading to adverse drug events, allergic reactions, or overdoses.

7. Diagnostic Errors: Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis related to surgical care, including preoperative and postoperative periods, can lead to inappropriate treatment, unnecessary surgery, or failure to perform necessary surgery.

8. Breach of Patient Confidentiality: Unauthorized disclosure of patient information, whether accidental or intentional, can result in lawsuits for violating privacy laws and regulations.

9. Equipment Failure: Malfunctioning surgical equipment or failure to properly sterilize instruments can lead to patient injury or infection, for which the facility may be held liable.

10. Failure to Monitor and Respond to Complications: Timely recognition and management of surgical complications are critical. Facilities can be sued for malpractice if there is a failure to adequately monitor patients or respond appropriately to complications.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. Westwood Insurance Group work with a number of different carriers to ensure surgical facilities get the most suitable coverage for the best price. Get a Quick Quote today!