Extended Reporting Period, or Tail, Coverage for Medical Malpractice Insurance: Common and Costly Misconceptions
For many medical professionals, extended reporting period (ERP) coverage, commonly referred to as “tail coverage,” is a vaguely familiar term that they may associate with job change or retirement. Tail coverage extends the period of time during which a claim can be reported to the insurance carrier on a canceled claims-made medical professional liability insurance policy. The extension may be indefinite, or it may be for a predetermined term.
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A Message From Our Chairman: Reflections on the Pandemic’s Three-Year Anniversary
As we pass the three-year anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic and the end of the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, it is a time for reflection, looking back on the exceptional challenges faced, the incredible heroism we witnessed from all healthcare professionals, and the lessons learned.
The Doctors Company Assists Members Impacted by Southern California Wildfires
Due to disruption to member medical practices from the Southern California wildfires, The Doctors Company will defer policy cancellations for nonpayment for 90 days.
Podiatry: Lessons from Malpractice Claims
We analyzed 162 podiatric claims to identify top allegations and factors contributing to patient injury.
Professional Education
Failure to Diagnose Congenital Asplenia Results in Tragic Patient Outcome
(Claims Corner CME)
Referral process system failures can contribute to delayed diagnosis of serious conditions which can lead to severe consequences for patients. Problems can arise when referral is needed but is not initiated properly or timely, when the specialist does not ensure their recommendations are fully and clearly communicated back to the referring clinician, when the referring clinician does not understand or act on the specialist’s recommendations, or when the referring office fails to track their open referrals to ensure they have received all consultation reports. This program will examine a malpractice case involving all the above referral-related deficiencies, leading to a catastrophic result for the patient and significant liability for the involved clinicians. Risk management strategies will be provided for any practice to improve the referral process and to prevent similar tragedies from occurring.
Professional Education
Anesthesia Care: Preventing Dental Injury
Dental injury claims continue to make up almost a quarter of all anesthesiology claims (22 percent) with over 30 percent of tooth damage claims resulting in indemnity payments to the plaintiff. Due to the frequent occurrence of dental injury claims, anesthesia professionals must be aware of dental injury causes, preventive measures, and steps to take if injury occurs.
Dec 02, 2024
Continuing Education: Reducing Vaccine Liability Exposure for Pediatric Healthcare Professionals
Our complimentary for-credit course provides best practices for reducing vaccine-related liability exposures.
From
The Doctor’s Advocate
Video May 24, 2024
What Is One of the Keys to Alleviating the Physician Shortage?
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) predicts demand for medical services in the U.S. will grow much faster than physician supply, leading to an estimated physician shortage of between 54,100 and 139,000 by 2033. In primary care relief is coming for overburdened physicians, as APCs are among the fastest growing professions.
Midwives, When Do You Escalate? 5 Strategies for Collaboration, Comanagement, and Referral
One of the greatest sources of liability for midwives is delays in escalating care. By laying the groundwork for care escalation in advance, all practitioners and practices can promote patient safety while mitigating their own liability risks.
April 29, 2024, Part B News
‘Administrative’ Fees for Patient Messages? Not if It’s About Treatment
Richard Cahill, JD, Vice President and Associate General Counsel, The Doctors Company, part of TDC Group, discusses the importance of documented policies and procedures surrounding non-medical services, like text communication, practices might charge for.
