How Plastic Surgeons Can Proactively Manage Medical Malpractice Risk
Max Schloemann2024-02-28T23:56:53+00:00Plastic surgeons demonstrate the meaning of the original Greek “plastikos” (to mold or form) every time they surgically reconstruct or enhance a patient’s face or other body tissues caused by birth defects, illness, tumors, infection, or traumatic injuries. Whether it is a life-changing reconstructive procedure after breast mastectomy, or repairing a cleft palate, removing a disfiguring birthmark, or improving appearance with a cosmetic facelift or Brazilian Butt Lift, these specialty procedures carry a high risk of possible complications that trigger malpractice claims.
According to the Medscape Surgeon Malpractice Report 2021, general and plastic surgeons are ranked number one on the list of top 10 medical specialists most likely to be sued for malpractice, most commonly due to surgical complications. That’s why plastic surgeons require robust medical malpractice coverage from an AM Best “A” rated carrier with a strong track record of defending their policyholders.
However, as a plastic surgeon, you can also take proactive steps to better manage your malpractice risk while improving the quality of patient care and outcomes in the process. This article explores findings from recent studies of plastic surgery malpractice claims to help you understand, identify, and potentially lower the risk factors for your specialty.
Plastic surgery risks and most common malpractice allegations
A recent review of malpractice cases by “A” rated malpractice insurance carrier MedPro Group found that three areas in particular – improper performance of surgery, improper management of the surgical patient, and improper performance of medical procedure – added up to over 80% of the allegations leading to malpractice claims and payouts to plaintiffs.
Improper surgical/procedure performance
The surgeon’s lack of technical skill or experience in surgeries (91% of cases) and procedures (97% of cases) was the highest contributing factor in performance allegations.
Additional data on breast-related malpractice allegations from a study of plastic surgery cases by The Doctors Company Group (TDCG), an AM Best “A” rated carrier, further supports the need for strong malpractice insurance coverage and a strategic risk management plan:
Patient management and poor clinical judgment
The MedPro study noted that malpractice claims related to improper management of surgical patient were more complex to defend that those citing improper procedures. On average, they were significantly more expensive to resolve than other cases in the study.
Establish a proactive risk management strategy
Now that you’re more familiar with some of the most common malpractice allegations in plastic surgery cases, how can you potentially reduce your risk? The following recommendations based on findings in the MedPro study provide a good starting point for effective risk management strategies for plastic surgeons:
Need Medical Malpractice Insurance for Your Plastic Surgery Practice? SURGPLI can Help.
Our experienced SURGPLI insurance brokers save plastic surgeons time and effort by researching and recommending your best options for malpractice insurance coverage, rates, and carrier. Get a fast quote or call 1-800-969-1339
SURGPLI is a division of MEDPLI, an independent insurance brokerage that specializes in making medical malpractice insurance simple for doctors.
Max Schloemann
About the Author
Max Schloemann is a medical malpractice insurance broker, focused on helping physicians secure Medical Professional Liability coverage. He helps Doctors and Surgeons, as well as Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners, and healthcare entrepreneurs launch new medical practices across the country. Max graduated Magna cum Laude from Southern Illinois University College of Business and was named the Outstanding Management Senior. Max’s career in medical malpractice insurance began in 2008 with an industry-leading firm. Max founded SURGPLI in 2023 to help surgeons navigate the complexities of medical malpractice insurance in the new era of healthcare. Max’s wife, Kristen, a Physician Assistant, and their 4 kids (plus 1 dog) enjoy hiking, golf, and cooking.
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