Brandelyn Bergstedt knows firsthand that communication is critical to good health care relationships. She’s had difficult encounters with health care providers as a patient. Twenty-three weeks into her pregnancy, Bergstedt was rushed to a hospital experiencing labor contractions. The admitting nurse performed a physical exam and told her that she was losing her baby. For 12 hours, Bergstedt waited to see a doctor in a labor and delivery room, declining to hasten labor because she knew that her baby could not survive outside the womb at such a young age.

Celia Smith, CCMEP, Director, Continuing Medical Education

Today’s physicians integrate a dizzying amount of new information, advancing technology, shifting staff, and treatment complexity. They require CME that moves beyond the didactic and helps them to effectively address practice-specific problems.

In the case of Mohr v. Grantham, decided on October 13, 2011, the state Supreme Court reversed a trial court’s dismissal of a medical professional liability action and allowed a case to go forward despite the lack of evidence that the alleged negligence more probably than not caused the patient’s adverse outcome. The Court decided, on a 6-3 vote, that, under some circumstances, a patient can recover damages for medical negligence if the patient can prove the negligence caused the loss of a chance of a better outcome.

ADVERSE EVENT RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING

a 2.5-hour seminar for physicians and medical team members

This interactive training prepares you to address the special needs of patients, families, and peers following an adverse event. Learn how to prepare for and deliver a compassionate and empathetic apology, when applicable, and develop an ongoing care plan for the patient and family affected by an unexpected or poor outcome.

Tim Smigel
Account Executive

As the leading physician-owned professional liability insurance carrier in the Northwest, Physicians Insurance continues to grow in the Oregon market. More and more physicians and their administrative staff are seeing the benefits that we bring to the table in terms of our corporate structure, coverage, services, and claims support. Physicians Insurance’s marketing strategy, legislative work, rural reinsurance program, and benefits for hospital-employed physicians are making a difference in Oregon.

Claudette Kenmir
Vice President, Eastern Regional Office

With the health care industry changing so rapidly, Physicians Insurance continues to focus on improving and expanding our relationships with physicians, clinics, and hospitals. In the Eastern Regional Office, in Spokane, Physicians Insurance serves both urban and rural members. Our account representatives, claims team, and risk management experts work closely with our members—meeting personally with them to help keep their practices safe.

Improving health care in our region

We are pleased to welcome the newest member groups to Physicians Insurance.

Caribou Trail Professional Medical Services Group,
Brewster, Washington

East Cascade Women’s Group, 
Bend, Oregon

Eastside Vascular,
2 Washington locations

St. Luke’s Rehabilitation Institute, 
Spokane, Washington

Tri-State Memorial Hospital, 
Clarkston, Washington
 

Thomas J. Curry
Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer, Washington State Medical Association

Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company and the Washington State Medical Association have collaborated on issues and projects to support the company’s insureds and the association’s members since Physicians Insurance was created in the early 1980s. It is a partnership unrivaled elsewhere in the nation, and goes well beyond the two organizations’ fervent work to foster the best possible tort law climate in this state.

How Physicians Insurance's Services Evolve With Changing Needs

James P. Campbell, MD
Chairman of the Board

One thing I have always admired about Physicians Insurance through the years is the company’s ability to address the needs that physicians and clinics care about at any given time. Only a responsive company—one that continually listens to members and develops projects to address their needs—can give members the resources they need, when they need them. 

Simulation Drills

How Physicians Insurance Is Responding to Changes in the Health Care Environment

Mary-Lou A. Misrahy, ARM
President and CEO