Hawthorn cosmetic doctor Dr Francesco Barbagallo suspended after treating patients for nearly two years without mandatory insurance

Melbourne cosmetic doctor Dr Francesco Barbagallo has been suspended for five months after a tribunal found he practised for nearly two years without mandatory professional indemnity insurance. The case matters because the required cover helps ensure patients can seek compensation and meet legal costs if they are harmed through error or negligence.

Barbagallo’s insurance lapsed in September 2021, and he later declared he met insurance requirements when renewing his registration in September 2022. The tribunal found three counts of professional misconduct, one of unprofessional conduct and one of improperly obtaining registration; it said retroactive cover did not excuse the gap or his failure to notify the regulator within seven days. The article says the tribunal hearing took place in September 2024.