RISK MANAGEMENT MINUTE – Deciphering the Inevitable Rise in Malpractice Premiums
As chiropractors advance in their careers, they often encounter a perplexing phenomenon: the steady increase in malpractice insurance premiums, regardless of their personal claims history. This article is tailored to shed light on the nuances of malpractice insurance rates, specifically addressing the concerns of practitioners reaching their 5th year and beyond who has observed a consistent rise in premiums without any claims. Here we dissect the multifaceted reasons behind this trend, paying special attention to the concept of the natural maturity of a malpractice policy.
Understanding Policy Maturity
When a chiropractor first begins practicing, their malpractice insurance policy is considered 'immature.' During these initial years, premiums are typically lower. The reasoning is twofold: the chiropractor's exposure to potential claims is lower as they are building their practice, and it typically takes time for a claim to be reported and resolved. However, as the chiropractor's practice grows and they treat more patients over the years, their risk exposure increases. This is reflected in the policy gradually 'maturing' – premiums rise to match the increased risk associated with a larger patient base and a longer period during which claims might be filed. Eventually, the policy reaches a 'mature' state, where the premium stabilizes at a rate reflecting the true risk of the chiropractor's practice.
Broad Market Trends and Economic Factors
Beyond individual practice growth and risk, malpractice insurance is also influenced by broader economic and market trends. Factors such as changes in the insurance company's investment returns, overall inflation, and rising healthcare costs can all contribute to increasing premiums, even if a specific chiropractor has not filed any claims.
Risk Pool Dynamics
Insurance companies assess risk not only on an individual basis but also across all the professionals they insure. This means if there's an uptick in claims within the broader group of insured chiropractors, premiums might increase for everyone within that group. This system ensures that the insurer can cover all claims made, but it also means individual practitioners might see their rates rise because of the claims history of their peers.
Specialty and Geographic Location
The specific risks associated with different chiropractic specialties and practice locations can also influence insurance rates. If certain techniques or regions are associated with higher claim rates, practitioners in those areas or fields might see higher premiums.
Inflation and Administrative Costs
The cost of providing insurance – from processing claims to underwriting policies – tends to rise over time due to inflation and other economic factors. These increased costs are often passed on to the insured in the form of higher premiums.
While it can be frustrating to see premiums rise each year, understanding the factors at play – including the natural maturity of a malpractice policy – can provide some peace of mind. It's important for chiropractors to engage in regular discussions with their insurers, stay informed about the factors influencing their premiums, and actively manage their risk through continued professional development and adherence to best practices in patient care. Ultimately, while insurance is a significant expense, it is also a fundamental component of a well-protected, resilient practice.
