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Getting it right is everything in the world of aesthetics and cosmetic procedures. From the initial client consultation through allergy testing to the treatment itself, everything needs to follow a well-rehearsed plan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Because the stakes are high when it comes to people\u2019s faces and bodies. And an allergic reaction, an infection, or a procedure that doesn\u2019t go as expected can spell serious trouble. Not just for your client, but for you, too. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
That\u2019s why medical malpractice insurance<\/a> is a friend in need for aestheticians and cosmetic practitioners. It\u2019s there in case your well-rehearsed plan goes out the window, and there\u2019s a claim against you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Needless to say, a claim that you caused someone physical suffering, disfigurement, or worse can be for \u00a3hundreds of thousands. So, you really wouldn\u2019t want to be told your aesthetics insurance claim has been turned down at such a crucial time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s the stuff of nightmares. But it\u2019s a nightmare that could become a frightening reality if you haven\u2019t read your policy wording carefully and met all its conditions. And if you haven\u2019t stuck to that well-rehearsed plan we mentioned earlier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The thing is, if you stray beyond your cover\u2019s Ts and Cs, or don\u2019t follow proper procedures, it could mean your claim is kicked into touch. Because insurers have every right to refuse aesthetics insurance claims that fall outside their policy wording.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That makes it essential to know exactly what you\u2019re signing up for when you buy medical malpractice insurance. You need to know what is and isn\u2019t covered by a policy. Also, what\u2019s expected of you, as your part of the bargain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wordings can differ from policy to policy. But here are some of the things insurers commonly expect, and which you can get wrong. The kind of things with the potential to trip you up should you ever have to make a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n When you take out a policy, your insurer will want to know what kind of treatments you\u2019re performing. Generally, you\u2019ll only be covered for the ones you tell them about.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you add any others into the mix, you need to let your broker or insurer know \u2013 before you start offering them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Most aesthetics insurance policies define minimum levels of training and experience for carrying out different treatments. So, you\u2019ll need to make sure you make the grade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medically qualified practitioners must also ensure their registration is up to date with their relevant governing body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Talking to clients, gathering the right information, and figuring out whether they\u2019re a good fit for a procedure is key. As is managing their expectations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, you\u2019ll need to explain exactly what\u2019s involved in a treatment, the risks, any alternatives, and what happens afterwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also need to discuss your client\u2019s medical history, any medication they\u2019re taking, any allergies, and crucially, the results they\u2019re looking for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Failing to explain everything to clients can lead to trouble. But how do you prove you spelt it all out clearly and did the proper checks? Which brings us to\u2026. A good consent form can be worth its weight in gold when defending an aesthetics claim. If everything\u2019s set out in black and white, and signed by your client, it\u2019s essential proof that they knew what to expect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But it must be a detailed form, and it should cover all the ground mentioned above. It must include an exact explanation of the procedure and give warning of any possible side effects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It should also record your client\u2019s answers to relevant questions about their medical and previous treatment history. Insurers will expect you to carry out a patch test for certain treatments. Not having done so can invalidate a claim if there\u2019s a subsequent problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n The camera never lies. That\u2019s why it\u2019s essential to take before and after photos when a client undergoes a procedure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Those images can provide essential evidence if a client makes a claim of disappointing results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Recording everything you do and discussing things in meticulous detail in your client\u2019s file is vital to your chances of getting your aesthetics insurance claim paid. Again, it\u2019s material your insurer can make use of in your defence if there\u2019s a claim. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It goes without saying that you\u2019re expected to use high-quality equipment and products, and to keep them properly maintained and sterilised.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Not being able to demonstrate this can, in some cases, jeopardise a claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You should also be able to prove to your insurer that any equipment or products were bought in your company name (an invoice or receipt will usually do). And that this matches the name given in your policy docs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Your duty of care doesn\u2019t finish as soon as your client is out of sight. They shouldn\u2019t be out of mind too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Giving them the right advice on what to expect in the days following a treatment, as well as any specific care needed, is essential. That information should be given in written rather than verbal form, as a continual reference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If a problem emerges, it can help prove you weren\u2019t negligent in your client\u2019s aftercare.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Following the right procedures and keeping detailed records can help hugely if you ever find yourself on the wrong end of an aesthetics insurance claim. They can help prove that you played by the book and did everything possible to secure a good outcome for your client.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, be sure to keep your broker or insurer in the know. You need to tell them as soon as you\u2019re aware of a potential problem. It\u2019s important never to admit liability or get your own solicitor involved. Neither should you reveal details of your insurance or start negotiating with a complaining client without your insurer\u2019s say-so.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, the devil\u2019s in the detail when it comes to policy wordings. Aesthetics insurance is a two-way thing. And you need to make sure you know exactly what your insurer expects of you before they\u2019ll weigh in on your behalf.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You keep your end of the bargain, and they\u2019ll keep theirs. But failing to read your wording properly and falling short of the terms set out can make for a very expensive mistake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out more and get a quote for aesthetics insurance<\/a> or you can call the team on 0345 222 5391<\/strong>. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Getting it right is everything in the world of aesthetics and cosmetic procedures. From the initial client consultation through allergy testing to the treatment itself, everything needs to follow a well-rehearsed plan. Because the stakes are high when it comes … Continue reading Playing by the rules<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The dos of getting your aesthetics insurance claim paid<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Treatments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Training & registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Consultations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Consent forms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Patch tests<\/h3>\n\n\n\nPhotos<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Records<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
You should include as much information as possible, down to the time of treatment, products used, exact amounts injected for fillers, and precise settings on machines.
Your policy wording may even state for how long you should retain records, since claims can emerge long after a procedure was carried out. Some may say five years, others ten.<\/p>\n\n\n\nEquipment and products<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Aftercare<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Two-way street<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Image used under license from Shutterstock.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n