Cost for Orthopedic Surgeon Malpractice Insurance
Because malpractice insurance companies classify orthopedic surgery as a high risk specialty, orthopedic surgeons should expect to pay higher premiums for a liability policy when compared to other, lower-risk specialties.
Rates are also dependent on an orthopedic surgeon’s prior claims history and location.
To confirm you always have the right coverage at the lowest available rates, savvy orthopedic surgeons should periodically check-in with a medical malpractice insurance broker. An independent agent that specializes in orthopedic surgeon insurance can help you to re-evaluate your needs and keep you updated on any changes in your specialty’s marketplace.
See below for average rates by location for orthopedic surgeons. Mature claims-made estimates below are for informational purposes only. Occurrence coverage may be available. To get your personalized rate estimate, please request a quote.
All Orthopedic Surgeons Need Medical Malpractice Insurance
Why do medical malpractice insurance companies consider orthopedic surgeons high risk? For the most part, its because they have a very high likelihood of being sued – particularly for outcomes that negatively affect a patient’s functioning for the rest of their life – ultimately leading to higher payout awards.
Having the right medical malpractice insurance policy in place can protect orthopedic surgeons from having to pay out of pocket for court fess, attorneys, expert witnesses, and actual damages and losses awarded to the plaintiff that result from a lawsuit.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Rates for ORTHOPEDIC SURGEONs BY STATE
| City | State | Premium Estimate | Limits of Liability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | AL | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Little Rock | AR | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Phoenix | AZ | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Los Angeles | CA | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Denver | CO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Bridgeport | CT | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$4,000,000 |
| Wilmington | DE | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Washington DC | $75,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 | |
| Miami | FL* | $70,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Miami | FL* | $55,000 | $250,000/$750,000 |
| Atlanta | GA | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Honolulu | HI | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Des Moines | IA | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Boise | ID | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Chicago | IL | $85,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Wichita | KS | $30,000 + KS HCSF | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Louisville | KY | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Indianapolis | IN | $30,000 + IN PCF | $250,000/$750,000 |
| New Orleans | LA | $30,000 + LA PCF | $100,000/$300,000 |
| Boston | MA | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Baltimore | MD | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | ME | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Detroit | MI | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| St. Louis | MO | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Minneapolis | MN | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Jackson | MS | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Billings | MT | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charlotte | NC | $35,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Fargo | ND | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Omaha | NE | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manchester | NH | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Albuquerque | NM | $35,000 + NM PCF | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Newark | NJ | $55,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Las Vegas | NV | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Manhattan, NY | NY | $125,000 | $1,300,000/$3,900,000 |
| Columbus | OH | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Oklahoma City | OK | $45,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Portland | OR | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Philadelphia | PA | $50,000 + MCARE | $500,000/$1,500,000 |
| Providence | RI | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Charleston | SC | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Sioux Falls | SD | $25,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Nashville | TN | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $30,000 | $200,000/$600,000 |
| Houston | TX* | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Salt Lake City | UT | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Burlington | VT | $30,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Seattle | WA | $40,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Virginia Beach | VA | $40,000 | $2,450,000/$7,350,000 |
| Milwaukee | WI | $25,000 + PCF | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
|
Charleston
|
WV | $60,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
| Cheyenne | WY | $50,000 | $1,000,000/$3,000,000 |
* (Only Occurrence; no Claims-Made coverage)
Orthopedic Surgeons and Medical Malpractice Risk
Due to the specialty nature of the surgery they provide, orthopedic surgeons are much more vulnerable to lawsuits than other physicians. Patients who experience poor outcomes, despite receiving the highest standard of care, can become litigious when their expectations aren’t met. According to the same Medscape report from 2021, the top five most common reasons for lawsuits against orthopedic surgeons are:
In addition, one study confirms that malpractice liability for orthopedic surgeons has increased significantly during the past 3 decades, finding that fracture fixation, arthroplasty, and spine cases were the most commonly litigated procedures between 1988 and 2013.
Medical Malpractice Risk Management Saves Money
Even if a malpractice case is dismissed, settled, or the court finds in favor of the orthopedic surgeon, lawsuits can take years to come to an end. The process can be traumatizing to a physician – the stress of defending your practice and reputation can take a severe toll and may even entice you to change the way you practice medicine.
Orthopedic surgeons are often eligible for discounts on their policies upon completion of risk management courses. These CME approved programs are designed to reduce the frequency of malpractice claims, help minimize financial loss to a neurosurgeon’s practice (and therefore loss to the insurance company itself) and improve patient outcomes – all while helping doctors save thousands on their insurance premiums.
It’s also important to note that physicians who complete risk management courses offered by their insurance carrier usually have a better chance of being renewed by that same carrier if a claim is brought against them.
In addition, professional national organizations like the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and even more localized organization like the Southern Orthopaedic Association and Florida Orthopaedic Society, provide risk management courses that can be completed for credits and discounts. Orthopedic surgeons should also check into their specialty’s professional organizations for the same benefits.
SURGPLI Helps Orthopedic Surgeons Find the Policy That Best Fits Their Needs
At SURGPLI, we specialize in spine or no spine orthopedic surgeon malpractice insurance, so you can always trust that the policies we find for you are exactly what you need to ensure your practice is protected.
SURGPLI works with A-rated carriers that offer great rates on medical malpractice insurance for orthopedic surgeons. With us, you’ll get robust protection and save thousands of dollars on your premium each year.
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