Rising Malpractice Costs Put Anesthesiologists Under Pressure

Naples, Florida - September 10, 2025 - Anesthesiologists are facing mounting malpractice insurance costs, with high-risk procedures driving premiums and, in some cases, limiting access to standard coverage. Homewood Insurance Group, a Naples-based agency specializing in liability coverage for healthcare professionals, today released insights on the most significant risk factors and strategies anesthesiologists can use to reduce costs.

According to recent industry data, anesthesiologists pay average annual premiums of $21,000-$23,000 for standard $1M/$3M policies. Nearly 45% of anesthesiologists will face at least one malpractice claim during their careers, with 10% of claims exceeding $1 million in payouts.

"Carriers know anesthesiology involves life-critical interventions," said Ralph Schiller, Senior Broker at Homewood Insurance. "Procedures like airway management, regional blocks, or chronic pain interventions come with heightened risks-and insurers price them accordingly."

High-Risk Procedures Identified by Carriers:

- Chronic pain management interventions (e.g., epidural steroid injections, spinal cord stimulators): premiums can increase 20-50% or more due to nerve injury and infection claims.
- Airway management: linked to 46% of procedure-related claims, often tied to tooth injury or aspiration.
- Regional anesthesia (spinal/epidural blocks): contribute to 27% of claims, with 23% resulting in permanent nerve injury.
- Non-OR anesthesia: average payouts of $554,000, nearly double operating room cases.

Recent multimillion-dollar verdicts underscore the stakes. In 2024, a Connecticut case led to a $15.4 million award following anesthesia-related collapse. In early 2025, a jury awarded $13.75 million after a fatal anesthesia complication.

Proven Strategies to Reduce Risk and Control Premiums

Homewood recommends that anesthesiologists:

- Enhance documentation and informed consent to strengthen defense in claims.
- Follow ASA guidelines and advanced monitoring such as end-tidal CO2 and Difficult Airway algorithms.
- Participate in carrier-approved risk management programs to qualify for premium credits.
- Disclose all procedures and ensure facilities are accredited with clear emergency protocols.

"Anesthesiologists who demonstrate a commitment to safety, documentation, and compliance are more attractive to underwriters," Schiller added. "We help practices present their strongest case to carriers and often save them significant costs."

📍 More details and coverage guidance: https://homewood.insure/insurance-for-anesthesiologists/

Ralph Schiller, Senior Broker
Homewood Insurance Group
4850 Tamiami Trail N, 3rd Floor
Naples, FL 34103
Phone: +1-947-274-3093
https://homewood.insure

Homewood Insurance Group is a specialty insurance agency based in Naples, Florida, focused on serving clients in the healthcare and senior living sectors. With access to nearly 100 carriers and deep expertise in medical malpractice, general liability, sexual abuse and molestation (SAM), and cyber liability, Homewood helps clients secure tailored coverage solutions for complex risks. The firm is committed to empowering its clients with the knowledge, tools, and carrier relationships needed to protect their business.

This release was published on openPR.