{"id":504,"date":"2016-09-08T00:11:37","date_gmt":"2016-09-08T00:11:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/?p=504"},"modified":"2018-09-14T16:39:55","modified_gmt":"2018-09-14T16:39:55","slug":"indemnity-insurance-for-phlebotomists","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phlebotomyexaminer.com\/indemnity-insurance-for-phlebotomists\/","title":{"rendered":"The Ultimate Guide to Indemnity Insurance for Phlebotomists"},"content":{"rendered":"

All doctors, nurses, private practice clinicians, and just about everyone working in the medical field knows the importance of insurance for medical professionals. It keeps the profession, and its integrity, safe. What about indemnity insurance for phlebotomists? There are several ways to look at how this coverage\u00a0can protect you and your career.<\/p>\n

First, one of the largest parts of your job is to have accurate and precise hand and eye skills<\/strong><\/a>. You\u2019re working with people and needles every single day. If that doesn\u2019t bring the idea of \u2018risk\u2019 to your mind, it should. No one ever wants to have an accident on the job, but even the best phlebotomists are just human, after all. Mistakes occasionally happen, and making sure you\u2019re covered adequately\u00a0is of the utmost importance.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re a phlebotomist that works for someone else, like a hospital or clinic, your employer is likely already covered with indemnity insurance. However, many phlebotomists choose to take a \u2018freelance\u2019 route.<\/p>\n

There are many benefits to working on your own as a phlebotomist. From choosing your hours, to where you use your skills, it\u2019s a great job that is currently in high demand. However, every time you use those skills, you\u2019re also at risk. Not only from the needle itself, but from simple mistakes. In a single moment, one mistake could truly change everything for you.<\/p>\n

Anything from a mislabeled vial of blood, to cross-contamination, could lead to a lawsuit, or worse. Protecting yourself from these unfortunate mishaps could be the thing that saves your career if they ever come up. It\u2019s important to have a risk management plan in place, and that\u2019s where indemnity insurance for phlebotomists\u00a0comes in.<\/p>\n

The Importance of Medical Malpractice Insurance for Phlebotomists<\/h3>\n

When it comes to medical malpractice insurance, it\u2019s important to consider why and where you might need it. If you work on your own or are a private contractor, this type of insurance is necessary. Essentially, you\u2019re your very own business. You need to market yourself well, yes. But, you also need to take the proper precautions that go along with it.<\/p>\n

As a private contractor, you can offer your services wherever they may be needed. Hospitals, businesses, donation centers, etc. are always looking for great phlebotomists<\/a><\/strong>. However, every time you take on a new job, you\u2019re at risk again without insurance.<\/p>\n

Think about it this way: A hospital wouldn\u2019t employ doctors without medical malpractice insurance. Not only for the safety of the establishment itself but the safety of the doctors. Well, being a private contractor on your own can be great. But, if a facility as well-established as a hospital ensures medical malpractice insurance is needed, think about how much more it could be needed for you.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re going to market your business on your own, you need to take care of the possible risks on your own, too. Thankfully, applying for medical malpractice insurance isn\u2019t as intimidating as it may seem.<\/p>\n

Insurance Options for Phlebotomists<\/h3>\n

There are several types of insurance you could and should carry, as a phlebotomist. If a liability claim ever happened to come up against you, these options could be useful. Not only will they help your reputation, but your finances, and your career. Let\u2019s take a closer look at a few of the best options. Knowing more about how you can be covered will make you feel more confident in what you\u2019re doing every day.<\/p>\n

General Liability Insurance<\/h4>\n

\"GuideAs a contractor, it\u2019s important to consider yourself to be a small business. Because of this, general liability insurance will be a sort of \u2018umbrella\u2019 for your needs. All small businesses need some insurance, and most go for this to cover everything.<\/p>\n

However, it\u2019s important to know that general liability insurance does not cover malpractice. It will simply help to cover legal fees and other costs associated with any liability claims. From court costs to legal fees, and even paying a lawyer, general liability insurance can save you a lot of out-of-pocket costs. For a small business (especially when it\u2019s made up of one person), those fees could drain you, otherwise. It is a fairly cost-effective insurance to have in the first place. So, if anyone files anything against you, even if you\u2019re not at fault, your fees will be covered.<\/p>\n

Property Insurance<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re a contractor, chances are you don\u2019t have one \u2018set\u2019 location you work out of every day. It\u2019s unlikely that people are coming to an office or small clinic run solely by you. This can be a good thing since there is no overhead to worry about. There also isn\u2019t any maintenance to worry about for buildings or \u2018property.\u2019<\/p>\n

However, phlebotomists do have the necessary equipment. If you\u2019re going from place to place every day for different needs, you\u2019re likely taking that equipment with you. Though it may not be anything extravagant, it\u2019s important for the success of what you do. Of course, sometimes things can happen. Equipment wears out, accidents can occur, and it can get damaged. You can protect your equipment, or \u2018property,\u2019 with property insurance.<\/p>\n

Property insurance covers damaged or stolen property of any kind as it relates to your business. This includes medical equipment, supplies, or just about any other item or asset that could be related to your business. When you were starting up, you probably paid for much of that equipment from your pocket. So, protect it as much as possible if anything should ever happen to it.<\/p>\n

Malpractice Insurance<\/h4>\n

Malpractice insurance is a \u2018big\u2019 topic for medical professionals. As a phlebotomist, you may not think you\u2019re technically saving lives every day, but you are. The blood drawn from venipuncture<\/strong><\/a> can result in tests that can catch illnesses, find cures, and more.<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, this work comes at a price, and one small slip up can cost you a career. It\u00a0helps to protect you if a lawsuit should ever be filed against you for any reason. Patients can only file a lawsuit when they feel as though you\u2019ve either given them advice or treatment that caused a financial loss, or bodily injury. In the case of phlebotomy, this could be an accident with a needle, a mislabeled blood vial, or some other \u2018accidents\u2019 you may not even be able to think of until they happen.<\/p>\n

It\u00a0will not only help to cover all legal aspects and fees of the lawsuit from your business\u2019 standpoint but will help to defend you. Without this particular type of insurance, your business could have a tarnished reputation forever. Plus, it could completely drain any personal or business funds you have. You\u2019ve likely invested a lot of time, energy, and money into what you do. Malpractice insurance is a safeguard everyone working in the medical field should have.<\/p>\n

Business Owner\u2019s Policy<\/h4>\n

If you\u2019re just starting out as a contractor or an independent phlebotomist, you may want to consider a business owner\u2019s policy. Essentially, it\u2019s an insurance policy that covers both general liability, and property insurance. It\u2019s a combination that will keep your business, and yourself, protected as you grow.<\/p>\n

Plus, it is typically a less expensive option than either of those types of insurance individually. While it may not offer every aspect of full coverage, it will provide you with some protection as you get started. Because of its low cost, it can also help you to put that money elsewhere into your business. This can be a great option if you need equipment, marketing materials, etc.<\/p>\n

The best way to get started with a business owner\u2019s policy is to contact an insurance agent you can trust.<\/p>\n

Indemnity Insurance for Phlebotomists – A Necessary Protection<\/h3>\n

Again, being on your own as a phlebotomist has many perks. The opportunities are endless, and you\u2019ll be able to expand your horizons every day. From meeting new people, to truly saving lives, independent or private phlebotomy contractors can have very rewarding careers<\/strong><\/a>. But, with rewards come risks.<\/p>\n

By choosing a solid insurance policy that can help to protect you, you\u2019re securing your business. It\u2019s easy to get carried away in the \u2018personal\u2019 aspect of what you\u2019re doing as a phlebotomist. But, seeing yourself as a small business changes things. Once you start looking at what you do from that standpoint, you\u2019ll be able to grow and become more successful. But, all small businesses need the right type of insurance. Because you work in the medical field, it\u2019s even more important that you have strong coverage.<\/p>\n

Be sure to do your research on what type of insurance would be best for your phlebotomy practice. The sooner you get covered, the better you can feel about saving lives every day.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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