OB/GYN Specialists Are in Demand in Texas
OB/GYN specialists are sought after in Texas, especially to meet the healthcare needs of women living in the most remote rural areas of the state. San Antonio and Austin, on the other hand, rank among the Texas cities with the highest concentration of OB/GYNs per 100,000 residents.
While OB/GYN specialists have many job opportunities in Texas, recent data from the National Practitioner Data Bank (U.S. Health & Human Services) revealed that nearly 3,500 medical malpractice claims were filed in Texas in 2022. In fact, Texas ranked second among the top 10 U.S. states with the most medical malpractice claims that year.
That’s why Texas OB/GYN specialists need robust medical malpractice insurance.
As your only trusted broker, MEDPLI will help you find the right coverage at the best rate in Texas.
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If you are a Texas OB/GYN specialist in private practice, or planning to open a new practice in Texas, use this guide prepared by independent MEDPLI insurance brokers to give you a concise overview of medical malpractice insurance. Then contact a MEDPLI insurance broker to discuss your coverage needs and get a quote.
Medical Malpractice Insurance Requirements for Texas OB/GYN Specialists
Texas does not legally require OB/GYN specialists to carry medical malpractice insurance in order to practice in the state. The standard limits of liability in Texas are $200,000 Each Claim / $600,000 Aggregate per year in coverage.
However, OB/GYN is considered a high-risk specialty, so you might need more coverage to be adequately protected if sued for malpractice.
MEDPLI strongly recommends securing coverage from an A-rated carrier as the most cost-effective way to protect against devastating financial loss if you are sued for malpractice in Texas. As an independent broker, we specialize in medical malpractice insurance for OB/GYN specialists. We work for you to find the best policy at a great price.
Cost of Medical Malpractice Insurance for Texas OB/GYN Specialists
Each insurance carrier uses its own proprietary methods of setting the cost of medical malpractice insurance. Carriers consider factors such as practice location, surgical specialty, and past claims history.
In Texas, the areas that typically carry the highest rates are: Houston (Harris County), El Paso (El Paso County), Brownsville (Cameron County), McAllen (Hidalgo County), AND Laredo (Webb).
The following are approximate medical malpractice insurance premium rates for OB/GYN specialists across all Texas areas:
| Specialty | Approximate Claims Made Rate | Approximate Tail Rate | Approximate Occurrence Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| OB/GYN | $50,000 | $100,000 | $65,000 |
*Using the TX standard limits of $200,000 Each Claim / $600,000 Aggregate per year in coverage
Types of Professional Liability Insurance for Texas OB/GYN Specialists
Here is an brief overview of the three most common types of medical malpractice insurance for OB/GYN Specialists in Texas:
1. Claims Made Insurance
Claims-made malpractice insurance provides coverage if the policy is in effect both when the incident took place AND when the claim is filed. If a claim is filed after the end of the policy date, the claim is NOT covered. With a claims-made policy, you need tail malpractice insurance, which is a separately purchased insurance policy or endorsement, to make sure you have full protection.
2. Occurrence Insurance
Occurrence malpractice insurance provides coverage for incidents that occurred during the policy year, regardless of when a claim is reported to the carrier. Occurrence policies are more costly at the start of the policy, but the rate generally stays the same for the length of the policy, and there is no need for tail coverage when the policy ends.
3. Tail Insurance
Since most malpractice insurance policies are underwritten on a claims-made basis, you will be exposed to a lawsuit if a former patient files a claim against you and you do not secure tail coverage. When you are preparing to leave your employer, you should seek tail coverage options with an independent broker like MEDPLI. Tail insurance covers you for a specific time period. The new employer’s policy is not going to cover you for prior acts of a former practice, hence tail coverage is needed.
Reach out to an experienced MEDPLI insurance broker who will get to work for you to find a tail policy at a great price.
Let a MEDPLI Broker Help You Choose the Best Policy for Your Practice
Every medical specialist’s situation is unique, so we recommend a conversation with a MEDPLI insurance broker to discuss the unique needs of your Texas practice. Your MEDPLI insurance broker will explain the benefits and limitations of each type of medical malpractice insurance to ensure you get the right type and amount of coverage for your OB/GYN specialty.
Get Quotes from A-rated Carriers Serving Texas OB/GYN Specialists
MEDPLI insurance brokers will obtain quotes from medical malpractice insurance from carriers rated “A” by A.M. Best for their long-term financial solvency and robust legal support of policyholders. Some of the top carriers include:
Why OB/GYN Specialists Are Classified as High Risk by Medical Malpractice Insurance Companies
Medical malpractice insurance underwriters classify OB/GYN as a high-risk specialty because of the potential birth injuries, surgical side-effects, and complications that commonly lead to allegations of malpractice. Therefore, the cost of medical malpractice insurance will be higher for OB/GYN specialists compared to other lower-risk specialties.
Top Reasons Why Texas OB/GYN Specialists are Sued
Delay in treating fetal distress was the major allegation in the highest proportion of OB/GYN medical malpractice cases found in favor of the plaintiff, according to a review of claims data by “A” rated malpractice insurance carrier MedPro Group. Additional major allegations and contributing factors to claims included:
In Texas, some of the most often cited allegations in OB/GYN medical malpractice cases included failure of early detection and treatment of:
OB/GYN specialists in Texas can reduce their risk of a malpractice lawsuit by implementing a comprehensive risk management strategy. For tips on fine tuning your risk management strategy, check out our OB/GYN’s Guide To Managing Malpractice Risk.
Texas Medical Malpractice Insurance Legislation
Consulting with a MEDPLI insurance broker who understands the complexities of Texas’ medical malpractice laws will ensure that your OB/GYN practice is protected with the right amount of coverage.
Texas Damage Caps on Medical Malpractice Lawsuits
Non-economic damage caps for medical malpractice lawsuits in Texas are set at $250,000 for individual healthcare providers and $250,000 for each medical facility involved in their injury. There is an overall cap of $500,000 per plaintiff when it concerns how much they can collect from the total amount of medical facilities they sue.
There is no limit on the amount of compensation a plaintiff can recover for economic damages in Texas. Economic damages can include:
- Medical costs for surgeries, physicians’ appointments, prescription medications and medical equipment
- Lost wages due to the injury
- Lost earning capacity if the injury is permanently debilitating or makes it impossible for the plaintiff to continue working
Texas Statute of Limitations for Medical Malpractice Claims
According to state law, conditions for filing a medical malpractice lawsuit in Texas are:
OB/GYN Medical Malpractice Outcomes in Texas
With no cap on economic damages and non-economic damages, OB/GYN specialists in Texas are more vulnerable to personal financial loss if sued.
In 2022, the total medical malpractice payout in Texas was $95,130,100.
The following examples of Texas medical malpractice lawsuits found in favor of the plaintiff or settled shows the critical need for OB/GYN specialists to have more than adequate liability coverage:
$4,850,000.00 Settlement in OBGYN Case
It was alleged that the OB/GYN provider failed to detect and respond to fetal distress, and failed to order a C-section in a timely manner. The child developed hypoxia and ischemia, resulting in permanent brain damage.
$2,997,000.00 Settlement In OBGYN Case
The lawsuit alleged negligence caused by failure to detect and respond to fetal distress due to miscommunication of information between the OB/GYN and nursing staff in the labor and delivery room. The child was born with cerebral palsy.
Even the Best OBGYNs in Texas Need Protection From Malpractice Lawsuits
Most OBGYNs face at least one medical malpractice lawsuit brought forth by a patient throughout their career, so it’s essential to be covered when it happens to you. In addition to damages awarded to the plaintiff, having medical malpractice insurance assures that your legal costs will be covered regardless of whether the case is won or lost.
How MEDPLI Brokers Help OBGYNs Save Time and Money on Medical Malpractice Insurance
Working with MEDPLI as your trusted broker takes the guesswork and effort out of trying to get the right coverage at the best rate on your own. We help OBGYNs save time and money by:
MEDPLI insurance brokers are ready to help you navigate the complexities of Texas’ medical malpractice laws and secure the right amount of coverage for your OBGYN practice. From submitting your application, obtaining the best rates for new policies and renewals from “A” rated carriers, and more, MEDPLI is the only medical malpractice insurance broker you’ll need.
