Insurance for Radiation Therapists

Insurance is essential for radiation therapists to protect against the legal and financial challenges inherent in their field. Professional liability insurance provides coverage for claims of negligence or errors in patient treatment, including legal defense costs and settlements. General liability insurance addresses non-medical risks, such as accidents involving patients or visitors in the workplace, while cyber liability insurance protects sensitive patient data from breaches.

Many healthcare employers and licensing boards also require radiation therapists to carry specific insurance policies to maintain compliance. By securing comprehensive coverage, radiation therapists can focus on delivering high-quality care to their patients while safeguarding their careers and financial well-being from unforeseen challenges.

Insurance for Radiation Therapists 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 Radiation Therapists need Insurance?

Despite their expertise and the critical nature of their work, radiation therapists face several challenges that necessitate the need for malpractice or liability insurance. Here are the key areas where they are vulnerable to being sued for malpractice:

Incorrect Dosage Administration: One of the most significant risks involves administering an incorrect dose of radiation, whether too high or too low. An overdose can cause severe injury or exacerbate side effects, while an underdose can result in ineffective treatment.
Misalignment or Misapplication of Radiation: Misalignment or misapplication of radiation beams can lead to damage to healthy tissues and organs adjacent to the treatment area, causing unnecessary harm to patients.
Failure to Properly Monitor and Respond to Side Effects: Radiation therapy is known for its potential side effects. Technicians have a responsibility to monitor patients’ responses to treatment and report adverse reactions to oncologists. Failure to do so can worsen patient outcomes.
Inadequate Patient Communication and Education: Technicians must adequately inform patients about the procedure, potential side effects, and post-treatment care. Inadequate communication can lead to patient harm and dissatisfaction, potentially resulting in claims of negligence.
Technical and Equipment Failures: Malfunctions or improper calibration of radiation therapy equipment can lead to incorrect dosages or targeting errors. Technicians are responsible for ensuring equipment is functioning correctly and safely.
Breach of Confidentiality: As healthcare providers, radiation therapy technicians handle sensitive patient information. Unauthorized disclosure of patient data can result in lawsuits for violating privacy laws.
Inadequate Safety Measures: Ensuring the safety of patients and staff from radiation exposure is paramount. Technicians must adhere to strict safety protocols to prevent accidental exposure. Failure to implement these measures can lead to legal action.
Failure to Follow Treatment Plans: Deviating from the prescribed treatment plan without proper authorization can lead to ineffective treatment or harm, making technicians vulnerable to claims of malpractice.

Malpractice or liability insurance provides financial protection against claims of negligence or malpractice, covering legal defense costs, settlements, and judgments. For radiation therapy technicians, this insurance is crucial for mitigating the financial risks associated with their highly specialized and technical role in patient care.

Westwood Insurance works with a number of different carriers to bring you the most suitable insurance coverage at the best price. Get a quick quote today.