Obstetricians & Gynecologists

An Obstetrician and Gynecologist, also known as OB/GYN, is the combination of two surgical specialties relating to the female reproductive system. Most often, they are combined as one medical specialty relating to medical malpractice insurance. OB/GYNs are trained medical professionals who provide care for both pregnant and non-pregnant female patients. Their training covers treating the entire scope of the female reproductive organs, both surgical and non-surgical. eQuoteMD’s network of experienced medical malpractice insurance providers are equipped to provide the appropriate medical malpractice coverage relating to this practice of medicine.

Between the years of 2000 and 2005, the rate of American medical graduates that chose to specialize in obstetrics substantially decreased. Access to OB/GYN physicians, in some states, was oftentimes difficult due to the increasing shortage of obstetricians and gynecologists. Due to the successful tort reform in many states, it is important for Obstetricians and Gynecologists to realize that there are competitive options for medical malpractice insurance for OB/GYNs.

Failure to Diagnose a C-Section in a Timely Manner

There are many life-threatening and life altering injuries that are linked to babies not being delivered in a timely manner or if there are complications with a natural birth. Whether the results of the injury are the physician's fault or not, many OB/GYN’s feel they have little chance of success winning in the courtroom, but do not want to give consent to settle and admit guilt when they feel they did nothing wrong. Therefore, it is extremely important for OB/GYNs to have the best possible professional liability and malpractice insurance they can find. This must be done without paying too much with overpriced premiums.

It is critical that the medical malpractice insurance providers have ample experience in the court with OB/GYN cases in order to best protect the physicians they insure. Obstetricians and Gynecologists should not be insured with a carrier that simply looks to settle every case. Claims like failure to diagnose can be won if the OB/GYN is insured and defended by the right company.

The Importance of Risk Management for Obstetricians & Gynecologists

Obstetricians and Gynecologists need to have a top-quality risk management program in place. Risk management programs include electronic medical records (EHR) systems, continuing medical education (CME), and strong guidelines and protocols for the office and hospital. Top rated medical professional liability and malpractice insurance companies have a dedicated risk management department that OB/GYNs can rely on to help reduce the risk of a claim. One of the most important roles a good risk management department offers is the ability for OB/GYNs to call the risk management department and ask for guidance when there is a bad outcome with a patient.

While bad outcomes are sometimes unavoidable, physicians need to know how they should handle the situation. Our risk management departments are skilled for this very situation. Moreover, the claim departments work hand in hand with the risk management departments to do everything they can to help the OB/GYN prevent a disgruntled patient from turning into a medical malpractice claim.

Prior Acts/Tail Coverage for Malpractice Insuranceand The Statute of Limitations

Each state has its own laws regarding the statute of limitations. The average for most state laws is two years from the time of discovery. This means that the patient has two years to file a claim from the time the patient first discovers the injury. The statute of limitations for minors in most states does not start until the minor reaches 18 years old. Obstetricians and Gynecologists theoretically have twenty years or more of “tail” risk.

Significant Difference in Malpractice Insurance Cost from State to State

OB/GYN medical malpractice insurance coverage can vary significantly from state to state. It is important to understand the significant variance in the premiums for comparable OB/GYNs in the same territory. Due to the high premiums Obstetricians and Gynecologists deal with, many times, there is room for large discounts.

• An OB/GYN in St. Louis, Missouri, can find coverage with a quality insurance company for as low as $38,000.
• If that same doctor had the same practice in New York, New York, the annual insurance premium would jump to around $150,000.

Nationwide Solutions for Obstetrician & Gynecology Professional Liability Insurance

eQuoteMD has served thousands of OB/GYN physicians by helping them find the best insurance rates through access to top-rated medical malpractice insurance providers. eQuoteMD enables you to compare quotes between multiple companies that have been tailored to the specific needs of your practice and location.

Take back control of your OB/GYN practice and lower your expenses today. Simply request your free medical malpractice insurance quotes now to discover true savings.

External Links & Resources for OB/GYN Physicians

• American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABO+G)
• American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)
• The Foundations for Excellence in Women's Health Care
• World Congress on Controversies in Obstetrics, Gynecology & Infertility (COGI)
• Green Journal – Obstetrics & Gynecology
• American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists (AAGL)

Top Medical Malpractice Insurance Providers for OB/GYNs in the US – Call eQuoteMD Today!

Experts at eQuoteMD are ready to connect you to the best Obstetricians & Gynecologists malpractice insurance coverage. Get your free customized quote today! If you have any questions, you can contact our experts at our main office in St. Louis, Missouri, at (855) 823-5283. One of our dedicated team members will be happy to help you find the right malpractice insurance coverage for your needs.