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With six physicians on our 11-member Board of Governors, including three local San Diego physicians, we possess unique insight into what San Diego County physicians need from their insurance company.
We have an unmatched record of physician advocacy in supporting medical liability reform nationwide. As the only malpractice carrier with a dedicated Government Relations Department, we continue to seek tort reform that protects the interests of physicians.
Our physician leaders give us a comprehensive, firsthand understanding of the liability issues that affect each specialty. Our exceptional combination of medical, legal, and claims expertise is backed by solid financial strength. We enjoy a reputation as the industry vanguard for our aggressive claims defense, expert patient safety programs, and superior customer service.
Join The Doctors Company today, and become protected by the nation’s leading physician-owned medical malpractice insurer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I join The Doctors Company’s SDCMS program, can I get a discount on my premium?
A: Yes. Subject to underwriting approval, The Doctors Company is offering a 5 percent premium discount for eligible SDCMS members.
Q: What are the program benefits?
A: Our SDCMS program benefits include a discount for eligible members, broad liability limits, consent-to-settle provision, tail vesting, prior acts coverage, aggressive claims defense, eligibility for the California dividend program, and our exclusive MediGuard disciplinary risk protection coverage.
Q: If I am already a member of The Doctors Company, can I switch to the SDCMS program?
A: Yes. SDCMS members who are already insured with The Doctors Company can transfer to our SDCMS program by notifying us in writing. Members who transfer will receive all of our SDCMS program benefits.
Q: Why does SDCMS’s endorsement of The Doctors Company matter to me?
A: The Doctors Company is the only carrier able to offer physicians local knowledge that is backed by broad national experience. This unique national viewpoint allows us to identify trends in all specialties in every region of the country. We draw on this unparalleled perspective to resolve critical issues and arm our members with the knowledge and customized tools they need to prevent malpractice claims. In the unfortunate situation when claims do arise, The Doctors Company’s aggressive approach in defending its members differentiates the company from other carriers.
Q: How will SDCMS and The Doctors Company work together?
A: Our collaborative relationship with SDCMS provides an invaluable forum for identifying and resolving critical issues. SDCMS Medical Review and Advisory Committee will meet with our senior executives regularly, and committee members will participate in a panel discussion of claims issues. Additionally, an SDCMS representative will be appointed to our Physician Advisory Board, an advisory group that addresses issues that could have an impact on the SDCMS program.
Q: How do I know that The Doctors Company understands the issues of California physicians?
A: Protecting 19,000 California physicians, including 2,200 from San Diego County, we are the leading medical malpractice insurer in the state. Our 11-member governing board is comprised of six physicians, three of whom practice and live in the San Diego area. The headquarters of The Doctors Company is located in Napa, California.
Q: Is The Doctors Company financially secure?
A: We enjoy a financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company and an A (Strong) rating by Fitch Ratings.
Q: What is The Doctors Company’s claims defense record?
A: Our expertise and aggressive defense strategies are evident: We resolve 80 percent of claims without indemnity payments. Of the claims against our members that go to trial, 87 percent result in defense victories. You can be sure that if a claim is leveled against you, our dedicated claims professionals and experienced defense counsel will work aggressively with you each step of the way, marshaling every resource necessary to resolve it.
Q: Is The Doctors Company endorsed or sponsored by other medical associations?
A: Many of the nation’s preeminent medical societies and organizations have chosen us as their endorsed or sponsored professional liability insurance carrier. These organizations, which are listed below, represent a total nationwide membership of more than 250,000 medical professionals in a broad range of specialties:
- American Academy of Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery
- American Association of Neurological Surgeons
- American College of Physicians
- American College of Surgeons
- American Society of Plastic Surgeons®
- California Society of Pathologists
- Denver Medical Society
- Montana Medical Association
- University HealthSystem Consortium
- Wyoming Medical Society
Q: If I decide to leave The Doctors Company’s SDCMS program, can I get tail coverage?
A: Yes. Any SDCMS member who elects to terminate his or her policy with The Doctors Company will be offered tail coverage. We will offer tail coverage at a premium consistent with our underwriting guidelines and in compliance with California regulatory filings.
To learn more about the program we’ve developed specifically for SDCMS members, call us at
(800) 352-0320.
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