This was the hope back in the day when IPAs touted improved patient delivery systems.  In the case of IPAs favorable claim outcomes never materialized.  Will the same happen with ACOs?  Time will tell but in the interim we are working to take advantage of the possibility of lower rates from the nations best companies by developing group purchasing programs for our ACO clients.

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Consider securing coverage that allow for some flexibility in the rating base to better accommodate individual and group needs.  For example, Medical Protective offers an occurrence-based, group policy that allows for a built-in tail if turn-over is likely.  The Doctors Company on the other hand can offer a group FTE policy with individual physician limits.  As yet another option, various companies are willing to offer a per encounter policy – though the drawback is the possibility of an audit billing at year end.

The coverage options are varied and complex and worth taking the time to understand.  In the end, intensivists MUST consider price, coverage, and carrier stability or face the risk of unexpected insurance expenses over the long haul.

Presidio Insurance Solutions – the experts in medical malpractice insurance solutions.

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However, with the proper training credentials verified, some medical malpractice insurance policies will extend coverage to OB’s and Gynecologists performing aesthetic procedures such as vaginal rejuvenation.  Presidio Insurance works with Medical Protective, The Doctors Company and Norcal Mutual Insurance who will generally consider extending coverage for some of the following aesthetic procedures: Tumescent Liposuction, Botox & Fillers, Cellulite treatment and Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapy, which can be done surgically or minimally invasive with lasers.   Laser Vaginal Rejuvenation Therapy can be done within an hour in the practitioner’s office and the convenience of a  very short recovery period.  However, this is a procedure that only recently has grown in popularity and many medical malpractice insurance policies are not designed to cover it. 

Anytime there is a change in scope of practice, removing or adding procedures, staff or even contracts, it is a good idea to check with your medical malpractice insurance broker and confirm your policy provides coverage. 

 Visit us at www.PresidioInsurance.com for more information on this coverage or call us directly at (800)317-6411.

 Norcal Mutual Insurance Company recently stressed its position of early claim reporting by its medical malpractice insureds. “NORCAL Mutual continually stresses that there is no penalty for early reporting of incidents. Early reporting means we can put the insured at ease and confirm that the matter is covered. Equally important, it means we can help insureds avoid making the situation worse by, for example, making additions to the medical record or giving the record to the wrong party.”

From Norcal’s point of view early reporting of medical incidents by physicians and surgeons seems to make sense.  And certainly its important not to alter the medical record inappropriately or incorrectly (and ESPECIALLY if there is a possible claim brewing).  However, from a physicians or surgeons point of view, early reporting can have a negative impact on the claims history report.  Every incident reported to Norcal Mutual Insurance Company is reflected in the claim history of the reporting physician insured. This claim history report is traditionally provided to hospitals, managed care organizations, insurance companies, surgery centers, IPAs, etc. ).  The Doctors Company and Medical Protective (other leading writers of medical malpractice insurance for physicians and surgeons) have virtually the same approach of encouraging early reporting of medical incidents.  Check your individual policies to determine the exact reporting requirements and if in doubt contact your carrier claim’s department and determine how to proceed.  Every policy is different so its vital to understand your obligations in reporting incidents and/or claims.

 hCG, or human chorionic gonadotrophin is a glycoprotein hormone produced in pregnancy.

During pregnancy, the placenta produces hCG which allows the body to mobilize fat and use it as energy for both mother and fetus.

Performed within Alternative Medicine Practices, although the process appears harmless (and reportedly has has little to no side effects), within a medical weight loss regimen, medical malpractice insruance companies are ballking at covering the hCG procedure.  The traditional “admitted” market carriers (for example,  Norcal, Medical Protective and The Doctors Company) will generally exclude this procedure altogether when seen within the alternative medicine setting.  A separate policy is available to cover this exposure.  We recommend alternative healthcare facilties specifically disclose the procedure to their medical malpractice insurance company to make sure the procedure is covered under their policy.

Presidio Insurance has a Medispa & Alternative Healthcare Practices Program that extends coverage for the hCG procedure, as well as any other alternative procedures (i.e. aesthetics, acupuncture, naturopathic medicine, etc.).

Visit our website wwww.PresidioInsurance.com or call us directly (800)317-6411 to speak with a Medispa/Alternative Healthcare Program Specialist.

Presidio is pleased to announce that starting June 2010, Med Pro is offering special discounts and benefits to Pediatricians across the country.  Membership in select pediatric organizations will earn a discount for all Med Pro pediatric and pediatric-surgical specialists insured with Medical Protective.  Proof of membership is required.

Features of the MedPro Pediatric Program include:

• A pediatric member premium discount on  Medical Protective medical malpractice insurance policy
• An additional pediatric member discount for insureds with 10 years of claim-free experience
• Occurrence and Claims-made coverage options
• Various credits including: group practice; new-to-practice; part-time; risk management
• Risk management tools and educational programs (eligible for 5% credit upon successful completion – good for 3 years)
• Best defense and claims handling
• Real “Consent-to-Settle”*
• Free tail coverage at any age with just 1 year of coverage at a mature rate

Presidio Insurance Solutions is an approved Medical Protective agent offering dental and medical malpractice insurance coverage.

The Doctors’ Company has announced an average rate decrease of 5.1% while Medical Protective has announced an overall premium decrease of 3%. These rate reductions are averages so individual physicians may see greater or lesser changes depending upon specialty, loss history and limits of liability. The Continental Casualty Company (CNA) has indicated that there will be no rate change this year.

Presidio Insurance Solutions provides Oregon physicians and surgeons a one-stop shopping experience. We find the lowest rates with the best coverage from all the top Oregon medical malpractice insurance companies.

For details about the coverage or to request an application, please contact Presidio Insurance Solutions.

Rumor has it Medical Protective may be lowering insurance rates and/or offering discounts in Oregon.  In an effort to lure prospective physician clients away from traditional insurers such as CNA and Northwest Physicians Mutual (now owned and operated by The Doctors Company), Medical Protective is considering lowering rates for specified medical specialties.

With our newly expanded presence in the Pacific Northwest, Presidio Insurance Solutions is poised to provide physicians in Oregon with an opportunity to obtain a quote and see how the rates compare.  Susan Doherty, Senior Account Executive for the region, is anxiously awaiting the formal announcement from the company in the first quarter of 2010.

Increased freedom for physicians who may need to move from one state to another for practice opportunities. It is frequently a problem to have a carrier in the new state provide prior acts coverage for services provided in another state Group practices may find the occurrence coverage form the way to go when hiring a new practitioner. The group and the physician may not be compatible and the occurrence form makes the trial of a new physician a cleaner and less complicated situation for all.

Occurrence coverage may provide a physician with the availability of more limits to cover claims arising out of services provided in multiple practice years.

Although claims made coverage may provide free tail coverage for physicians who die, are permanently disabled, or retire and meet the vesting requirements, there are many instances when a physician has to purchase tail coverage. There is no need to purchase tail coverage when the occurrence policy is canceled, no matter what the reason. I recently met a physician who canceled a claims made policy and was not financially able to purchase tail coverage at the time. He experienced difficulties obtaining new coverage due to this bare period. This would not have been an issue had he had an occurrence policy.