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Top 7 Insurance and Legal Questions for Resuming Medical Practice During COVID-19

Todd Zeiter, Senior Vice President, National Underwriting

Updated July 15, 2020: As a company founded and led by physicians, we have unique insight into medical liability and the factors that lead to lawsuits against doctors. And in these unprecedented times, we are committed to providing information and support so you can focus on practicing medicine.

We’ve heard from physicians that they are concerned about the risks involved in reopening their practices, resuming elective procedures, or otherwise resuming something closer to their usual patient interactions. In response to these concerns, we’re providing answers to common insurance coverage questions to help physicians anticipate issues before they become problems.

First and foremost, we urge physicians to check daily for updates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), local medical societies, and local health departments. We also urge physicians to have a plan for how to communicate changes to staff and to document that they are doing so—if only by jotting quick notes in an electronic calendar.

The following are answers to the top questions from our members and doctors across the country:


The guidelines suggested here are not rules, do not constitute legal advice, and do not ensure a successful outcome. The ultimate decision regarding the appropriateness of any treatment must be made by each healthcare provider considering the circumstances of the individual situation and in accordance with the laws of the jurisdiction in which the care is rendered.

06/20