Review medical practice risks, including records, communication, changing services and professional indemnity arrangements for practitioners and clinics.
Good clinical care relies on more than the consultation itself. Clear communication, reliable records, follow-up processes and a well-defined scope of practice help a medical professional deliver services consistently. They also matter when a patient raises a concern or a professional decision is questioned later.
Insurance is one part of that wider approach. It needs to reflect the services you actually provide, the arrangements under which you work and the responsibilities of any practice entity.
Keep records that explain the care provided
Records should help explain the assessment, advice, decisions and follow-up associated with a consultation. Document consent discussions, referrals, relevant communications and instances where recommended care was declined. Follow the record-keeping and retention requirements applicable to your profession and circumstances.
Good records support continuity of care and help a practitioner respond to a complaint. They do not guarantee a particular legal outcome, but incomplete records can make it harder to explain what happened.
Make communication and follow-up responsibilities clear
A practice may involve reception staff, clinicians, locums and external providers. Clarify who monitors incoming results, communicates with patients and escalates unresolved matters. The aim is to avoid a task being assumed to belong to someone else.
For remote consultations, consider identity, privacy, the suitability of the consultation method and arrangements for further assessment. The professional service remains the focus even when the way it is delivered changes.
Review changes to your work
New procedures, different patient groups, additional locations or work outside the usual role may change the risk profile. Employment, contracting and private-practice arrangements can also differ. Notify the relevant insurer or adviser before relying on existing cover for a changed activity.
Do not assume an employer’s arrangements cover every outside activity or that a practitioner’s personal policy automatically protects a separate practice company. Check who is insured, for which services and under what conditions.
Understand the professional indemnity arrangements
Review limits, excesses, defence costs, the scope of insured services and relevant exclusions. Professional indemnity arrangements should be considered against the applicable registration standard and actual work, rather than chosen only by premium.
Claims-made arrangements raise particular questions about notification, prior work and known circumstances. If you change insurer, take a career break or stop practising, obtain advice on continuity and whether retroactive or run-off arrangements are needed. Requirements and options depend on the practitioner’s circumstances and the type of cover.
Look beyond the individual practitioner
A clinic may also need to consider premises liability, equipment, confidential information and disruption to operations. These issues are not interchangeable with a claim alleging negligent clinical care. Review the practice’s roles, contracts and assets alongside the individual professionals’ arrangements.
A useful starting point is a current service list, details of all work locations, employment or contracting agreements and existing policy documents. Your broker can help identify insurance questions requiring further assessment; clinical, regulatory and legal questions should go to the appropriate professional adviser.
Adapted from material previously supplied for Aushine client communications. This website edition has been edited; the Chinese edition is a translation of the edited text. General information only: it does not confirm cover or take account of your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the applicable policy documents and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances.
