Ophthalmology Medical Malpractice Insurance
The Doctors Insurance Agency provides custom, direct to carrier, discounted professional liability insurance for Ophthalmologists. For years, our agency has worked with hospitals in the bay area and surrounding counties to bring discounts to physicians specializing in Ophthalmology (and other surgical specialties). There are two categories of rating for Ophthalmologists in California and in many other states, major surgery and minor surgery. The 'major surgical' category includes lasik, laser, blepharoplasty, lid repairs and other surgical procedures. The premiums in California for Ophthalmologists for Medical Malpractice Insurance range from $ 3,900 to $ 16,000 depending upon the procedures and the practice profile.
The discounts offered can bring the premiums down by as much as 30 %. An ophthalmologist is a medical or osteopathic doctor who specializes in eye and vision care. Ophthalmologists are specially trained to provide the full spectrum of eye care, from prescribing glasses and contact lenses to complex and delicate eye surgery. Many ophthalmologists are also involved in scientific research into the causes and cures for eye diseases and vision problems.
In addition to the professional liability insurance for the Ophthalmologists, we also assist Optometrists and Medical Assistants procure coverage. The Optometrists and Assistants in the office usually share the limit with the physician. This means that if a claim is filed, there is just one limit available to protect all parties. (this is not an unusual solution as the liability is usually placed upon the supervising physicians.)
Hundreds of ophthalmologists every year look for advice and assistance in managing the risk of medical malpractice insurance claims.
The Doctors' Company (represented by the Doctors' Insurance Agency can provide online, on phone or in house risk management services.
The Doctors' Company, active in the Patient Safety Foundation, has more patient safety specialists than any company in the country defending and insuring the practice of good medicine. The Specialists are available to assist literally 24 hours a day.
Ophthalmologists, like many physicians are now subject to far greater scrutiny than ever before. From just one single incident ophthalmologists can be held accountable for medical negligence, and from that they can have their have their professional conduct scrutinized in numerous ways: by the civil and criminal courts, medical boards in various states, hospital privilege committees and payer credentialing, peer review boards.
Surgical Eye Care
While all ophthalmologists specialize in eye problems and can treat all conditions, some decide to specialize in a specific area of medical or surgical eye care, such as:
Cornea and external disease- Glaucoma Ophthalmic plastic surgery
- Pediatric ophthalmology
- Vitreoretinal diseases
Cornea and external diseaseOphthalmology does benefit from rapidly improving technology and devices; and, like many specialties, Ophthalmologists are advised to take certain steps to decrease the chance of being named in a claim. Many of these steps involve simply calling, or contacting risk management and participating.
Ophthalmology Medical Malpractice Risk Management
Risk management is, often the formal statement of the obvious and intuitive in care provision. And, by formalizing the statements, the exercise of review makes patients safer and practices more thorough and complete. Informing the public and patients about realistic expectations from treatment, or informed consent forms and procedures also reduces the likelihood of a claim being brought against a physician. Unrealistic expectations produce patient dissatisfaction and provide material for lawsuits.
The Doctors' Insurance Agency will work hard with underwriting to make sure the practice profile is represented and each procedure contemplated and specifically underwritten so the policy leaves nothing out. Improper performance of eye surgery can give rise to a malpractice claim. This happens occasionally with cataract surgery, glaucoma treatment and LASIK surgery.
Ophthalmologists Medical Malpractice Claims
Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed ophthalmic procedure in the United States, and thus the source of many medical malpractice claims for ophthalmologists. Once a claim is reported, there is a process to move the claim forward through the system.
On average there is a three and one half year delay between the time when an injury is alleged to occur and the settlement of that claim (the payment of the check). . Litigation is usually costly and awards can be significant.
The Doctors' Company, The Doctors' Insurance Agency's informed agents, representatives and the Patient Safety Specialists with whom we work can make a significant difference in containing our annual premium costs, covering your practice appropriately and ensuring that when the incident occurs and the claim presented, your policy will respond.
The Doctors Insurance Agency assists physicians in obtaining ophthalmology medical malpractice insurance quotes from the industry's leading malpractice insurance companies. The Doctors' Company policy is straightforward, if the procedure is usual and customary according to the reasonable physician in a like specialty according to the American Board of Medical Specialties, the claim presented would very likely be covered.
Our agents work hard every day to understand the current competitive markets, and the nuances of underwriting this specialty with The Doctors' Company. We are available to help to provide accurate malpractice insurance quote information, shop for the lowest rates, and provide expertise in determining which medical malpractice insurance policy fits you best. We understand the importance of ophthalmology medical malpractice insurance and will ensure you leave happy with our customer service.
TDC is able to offer ophthalmologists a superior medical professional liability insurance product, rated A++ “Superior” by A. M. Best for financial strength and stability.
For more information regarding ophthalmology medical malpractice insurance, contact us or fill out the form to receive customized medical malpractice insurance for ophthalmologists quote.