.png?1676567184911){kind=logo}
This is a sponsored blog by Hamilton Fraser.
The BAHRS has published this material for your information and does not actively endorse any products featured.
Top 10 tips for minimising the risk of hair transplant surgery claims
At Hamilton Fraser, we understand that claims may arise and aim to assist our customers with any potential claims. There are two main types of treatment complaints, dissatisfactions and reportable claims.
Reportable claims tend to be more serious and occur when there has been an issue with the treatment which has led to bodily injury, or if a patient has legal involvement and a solicitor’s letter has been received. In both circumstances, a practitioner should inform their insurance provider right away.
Check out our top tips on how to minimise the risk of claims:
1. Carry out a thorough consultation
Assess the patient carefully, taking a full medical history and examine the patient to diagnose the cause of hair loss and identify any pre-existing scalp conditions or general medical illnesses.
Ask your patient, have they had previous hair transplant surgery? If so, were they satisfied with the outcome?
Top tip: Be aware that patients can have poor hair growth that cannot always be predicted
2. Obtain informed consent for hair transplant surgery
Explain all the risks of the procedure clearly. Both the Follicular Unit Excision (FUE) and Linear Strip Excision (Strip FUT) donor harvesting methods should be discussed as well as the option of doing nothing. Discuss medical and non-surgical treatments for hair loss where appropriate.
Remember: To make sure that the patient signs the consent form after confirming that they understand the procedure and that any questions are answered
3. Keep your patient records safe
It’s important to keep patient records for ten years, so that you have evidence if a claim is made in the future. Make clear, comprehensive notes on patients’ file as these will be the main defence against a claim, providing evidence of the discussions, expected outcomes and risks that were explained to the patient.
4. Make sure operations notes are thorough
Include the doses of all local anaesthetics used and times medications taken. Ensure both pre and post-op vital signs are recorded. Document the number of follicular unit grafts transplanted including the number of different follicular unit groupings.
Top tip: With FUE, make sure to note the graft transection rate and whether this is total, partial or follicle transection
5. Extend the consultation process if the patient appears to have a limited understanding of hair loss and hair transplant surgery
Patients are more often disappointed with outcomes when they have unrealistic expectations. Make sure patients are consulted by the operating surgeon at an early stage so that expectations can be managed.
6. Take before and after photos
These will support any claim that is brought against you. Try to make sure photos are standardised and taken in the same conditions so a fair comparison can be made - think about head position, lighting, hair length and hair styling.
Top tip: Some policies require that before and after photos are taken, so familiarise yourself with your policy conditions
7. Look out for ‘red flags’ and select patients with care
Do not treat patients that you think might be suffering from body dysmorphic disorder. Be cautious offering hair transplant surgery to young patients or those who have rapidly progressing genetic hair loss.
8. Do not treat patients who have untreated scalp dermatological conditions that might result in poor hair growth
If in doubt, suggest the patient has a consultation with a dermatologist unless you have the necessary knowledge and skills to make a definitive diagnosis and the ability to treat the patient’s condition.
9. Give the patient a call if they don’t turn up to an appointment
It is important to check the reason why, especially if it is a post-op consultation. Photo-documenting the result of hair transplant surgery is crucial in case the patient goes on to lose more hair and claims the transplant did not work.
10. Invest in insurance
This will help to avoid claims as best as possible, investing in insurance is key for aesthetic practitioners to protect their businesses
“If you are covered by Hamilton Fraser, our in-house claims team will work with you to resolve complaints of dissatisfaction and try to prevent them from escalating into a formal claim. Insurance is not just an annual transaction. It’s all about providing peace of mind, both to you and your patients, by making sure that you have guidance and support whenever you need it. Communication is a two-way process – your input helps us to enhance our products and services as we respond to your evolving needs.”
Mark Copsey, Associate Director of Hamilton Fraser