Highest Malpractice Insurance by Specialty Revealed

As a doctor, you want to protect your career and reputation with the right malpractice insurance. Neurosurgeons face the highest malpractice insurance costs, with premiums averaging $275,000 per year.

This is likely due to the high-stakes nature of their work, which involves complex and delicate procedures. Neurosurgeons often perform operations that require a high level of precision and skill.

Orthopedic surgeons are another specialty with high malpractice insurance costs, with premiums averaging $225,000 per year. This is likely due to the physical demands of their work and the potential for complications during procedures.

Urologists also face significant malpractice insurance costs, with premiums averaging $185,000 per year. This is likely due to the sensitive and personal nature of their work.

OB-GYNs have some of the highest rates of malpractice premiums, with insurance rates averaging over $33,000 a year in the Rochester area of New York state.

OB-GYN malpractice insurance can be particularly expensive due to the high costs associated with birth injuries, which can result in a lifetime of care for the injured patient.

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In the Manhattan area, OB-GYN malpractice insurance averaged $125,269 per year, making it one of the most costly specializations.

Surgeons and anesthesiologists also have generally higher than average malpractice premiums, with general surgeons averaging over $95,000 per year in the Manhattan area and anesthesiologists likely to have high premiums due to the risks involved in their work.

OB-GYNs have some of the highest rates of malpractice premiums. Obstetrics and gynecology have some of the highest rates of malpractice premiums.

Birth injuries are a major contributor to these high premiums. Many medical malpractice claims against obstetricians involve birth injuries.

These injuries can be very costly because they may involve a lifetime of care for the injured patient. Birth injuries can cause disfigurement or mental or physical limitations that will impact the child's entire life.

In some states, an injured child may have up to 20 years to file a lawsuit against the doctor that caused their injury. This is because the statute of limitations may not begin to run until the child turns 18.

OB-GYN malpractice insurance can be incredibly expensive, with some doctors paying over $125,000 per year.

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Orthopedic surgery is a specialty area where underwriters increase premiums due to its high risk level. This is particularly true for spinal surgery, which involves a sensitive area of the body.

Spinal surgery is a high-risk area because it's a sensitive part of the body. This increases the likelihood of complications and malpractice claims.

Incorrect or delayed diagnoses can raise the specter of malpractice, resulting in higher premiums.

Thoracic and CV Surgery is a high-risk specialty when it comes to malpractice claims. This is because thoracic and cardiovascular surgeons are second-most-likely to face malpractice cases behind neurosurgeons.

The cost of litigating a malpractice claim against a cardiologist can be substantial due to the specialized knowledge required to argue the case. This can make it a heavy burden for cardiologists to carry.

Claims against thoracic and CV surgeons often involve deaths, which adds a significant risk factor to this specialty.

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Nurse practitioners working in certain specialties are more likely to face malpractice lawsuits than others.

The Nurses Service Organization reports that certain specialties have a higher risk of malpractice claims against nurse practitioners.

NP specialties with the highest malpractice risk include those with more complex patient care, such as neurology.

19 percent of neurosurgeons faced a malpractice claim in a given year, but this data doesn't directly apply to nurse practitioners.

Nurse practitioners working in specialties like gastroenterology, gynecology, and urology are also at a higher risk of malpractice claims.

These specialties often involve more complex and high-stakes patient care, which can increase the risk of liability.

The Nurses Service Organization reports that nurse practitioners in these specialties are more likely to face malpractice claims.

Nurse practitioners working in specialties like pediatrics and psychiatry are at a lower risk of malpractice claims.

2.6 percent of psychiatrists faced a medical malpractice claim in a given year, and nurse practitioners in these specialties may also be at a lower risk.

It's essential for nurse practitioners to be aware of their liability risk and take steps to mitigate errors, regardless of their specialty.

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Surgeons, particularly neurosurgeons, face a high risk of malpractice with over 19 percent facing a claim in a given year.

General surgeons have one of the highest rates of malpractice suits, with 83% of them reporting at least one lawsuit.

Orthopedists also have a high risk of malpractice, with 81% reporting at least one lawsuit, and urologists follow closely behind with 80% reporting at least one lawsuit.

OB-GYNs have some of the highest rates of malpractice premiums, with rates averaging over $125,000 per year in the Manhattan area.

Birth injuries are a significant contributor to malpractice claims against obstetricians, often resulting in costly lifetime care for the injured patient.

Surgery and anesthesiology are inherently high-risk fields, with surgeons and anesthesiologists often facing higher than average malpractice premiums.

The risk of malpractice is not limited to these specialties, but being aware of these high-risk areas can help NPs and physicians take proactive steps to mitigate errors and reduce their liability risk.

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Nurse practitioners in certain specialties face a higher risk of malpractice lawsuits than others. Surgeons, particularly neurosurgeons, are most likely to be sued, with over 19 percent facing a malpractice claim in a given year.

Orthopedists and plastic surgeons also have a high liability risk, with 81 and 83 percent of them, respectively, facing at least one medical malpractice lawsuit. Urologists are also at risk, with 80 percent of them facing a lawsuit.

OB-GYNs have some of the highest rates of malpractice premiums, with an average of $125,269 per year in New York state. This is due to the high cost of birth injuries, which can involve a lifetime of care for the injured patient.

General surgeons also have high malpractice premiums, with an average of over $95,000 per year in the Manhattan area. This is likely due to the high risk of injury or death associated with surgery.

Anesthesiologists and surgeons also have generally higher than average malpractice premiums, as do obstetricians.