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Malpractice Insurance for Cardiothoracic Surgeons

insurance for cardiothoracic surgeons 

Insurance is a critical safeguard for cardiothoracic surgeons, providing financial and legal protection against the unpredictable challenges of their demanding specialty. Medical malpractice insurance is indispensable, covering claims of negligence, errors, or complications arising during surgery. General liability insurance offers additional coverage for non-medical incidents, such as injuries occurring on clinic premises, while cyber liability insurance protects against breaches of sensitive patient information.

Many hospitals and licensing boards require cardiothoracic surgeons to carry specific types of insurance to maintain surgical privileges and compliance. By securing robust coverage, cardiothoracic surgeons can focus on delivering high-quality care to their patients, confident that they are protected from the financial and legal risks inherent in their profession.

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The fastest way to find the most suitable insurance coverage for cardiothoracic surgeons 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.

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Malpractice Insurance for Cardiothoracic Surgeons can include:

  • Option to include general liability insurance
  • Coverage limits of up to $2 million per individual claim
  • Complete authority to approve settlement decisions
  • Protection for telemedicine and telehealth services
  • Legal defense coverage for professional license issues
  • Legal defense expenses covered in addition to liability limits
  • Defense coverage for allegations of sexual misconduct
  • Protection for HIPAA-related privacy violation claims
  • Portable coverage available 24/7, applicable in volunteer work, telehealth roles, per diem, or moonlighting assignments

Why do Cardiothoracic Surgeons need Insurance?

Cardiothoracic surgeons face a range of challenges that necessitate the need for malpractice or liability insurance. Given the high-risk nature of their work and the complexity of the procedures involved, these surgeons are particularly vulnerable to potential lawsuits. Here’s where they are most likely to be sued for malpractice:

  1. Surgical Errors: Due to the complexity and the critical nature of cardiothoracic surgeries, any error can have severe consequences, including patient disability or death. Errors could include mistakes in surgical technique, wrong-side surgery, or leaving surgical instruments inside the patient.
  2. Postoperative Complications: Cardiothoracic surgeries can lead to a range of postoperative complications, such as infections, bleeding, heart failure, or lung problems. Surgeons can be held liable if it is perceived that these complications were due to poor surgical technique or inadequate postoperative care.
  3. Failure to Obtain Informed Consent: Cardiothoracic surgeons must ensure that patients or their families fully understand the potential risks and benefits of surgery. Failure to obtain proper informed consent can result in legal action if patients suffer unexpected complications or if the surgical outcome does not meet their expectations.
  4. Misdiagnosis or Delayed Diagnosis: Misdiagnosing a patient’s condition or failing to diagnose it timely can lead to inappropriate or delayed treatment. For example, a delayed diagnosis of a cardiac condition that could have been treated more effectively if caught earlier can lead to legal claims.
  5. Failure to Manage Pre-existing Conditions: Patients undergoing cardiothoracic surgery often have complex pre-existing conditions. Surgeons need to manage these effectively before, during, and after surgery. Failure to do so can exacerbate these conditions and lead to claims of malpractice.
  6. Improper Patient Management: This can include failures in preoperative planning or postoperative follow-up, lack of coordination with other healthcare providers, or inadequate response to emergencies.
  7. Failure to Communicate: Effective communication with patients and their families is crucial, especially when conveying the risks associated with surgery and the expected recovery process. Miscommunications can lead to unmet expectations and potential lawsuits.
  8. Anesthesia Complications: While typically the responsibility of anesthesiologists, surgeons are part of the broader surgical team and may share liability if issues with anesthesia contribute to patient harm.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. For cardiothoracic surgeons, this insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial risks associated with the high stakes of their surgical interventions.

Westwood Insurance work with a number of different carriers to source the most suitable insurance for surgeons at the best price. Contact us today.

Find out more about the cost of malpractice insurance for surgeons and other FAQs.

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What types of Insurance do Cardiothoracic Surgeons need?

 
General Liability Insurance

General Liability Insurance

General Liability covers medical expenses and attorney fees which result from bodily injuries and property damage that your facility or organization could be legally responsible for.
 
 
Business owner's policy (BOP insurance)

Business owner's policy (BOP) insurance

A Business Owner’s Policy (BOP) is a comprehensive insurance package designed for Medical Professionals with small to medium-sized businesses. It provides a blend of liability protection and property insurance.
 
 
Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance

Professional Liability Insurance overs any negligence or mistakes made by the individual cardiothoracic surgeons during their practice. It differs from General Liability insurance, which covers the practice itself. 
 
 
Commercial Auto Insurance

Commercial Auto Insurance

This is relevant for cardiothoracic surgeons who use a vehicle for practice-related tasks. This insurance covers you against auto accidents, theft, and other vehicle-related incidents.
 
 
workers compensation insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance

Workers Compensation Insurance is usually mandated by law. It protects cardiothoracic surgery practices and employees in case of work-related injuries or illnesses.
 
 
Cyber Liability Insurance

Cyber Liability Insurance

Covers you against financial losses associated with data breaches, cyber attacks, and other cyber incidents. Insurers will usually conduct rigorous testing of your online system to fix vulnerabilities as part of this policy.
 
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30 June, 2023

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25 Sept, 2024

Speak with an Insurance Professional

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Michael Richards

Michael specializes in sourcing the most suitable insurance for cardiothoracic surgeons at the best price. You can call him or fill out the form and he will get your message directly.

Call 216-502-4967 or
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