Dividend
In September, for the fourth consecutive year, Physicians Insurance sent dividend checks to all eligible members. The $5 million dividend was a result of several factors: Physicians Insurance members’ patient-focused care, conservative investments, sound fiscal and risk management practices, our aggressive claims defense, and our fair and reasonable costs.
James P. Campbell, MD
Chairman of the Board
Whenever I meet with the physicians, clinic administrators, and financial and legal professionals on the Physicians Insurance Board of Directors and committees, I am reminded of the caliber of people involved at the company’s highest levels and their dedication to the values of this company. We listen to our colleagues at home, and we bring important issues to the table. Together we make decisions for the good of Northwest physicians and the improvement of patient care.
Mary-Lou A. Misrahy, ARM
President and CEO
This quarter I wanted to explore how Physicians Insurance provides value to its members in ways that distinguish it from other companies, so this month I am turning my column over to Dr. Bohmke, one of our members. Her words speak volumes about how Physicians Insurance helps members navigate a hostile legal environment and lengthy process so they can continue to provide quality medical care to their patients.
The Washington State Medical Association has joined with the Puget Sound Health Alliance and the The Obstetrics Clinical Outcomes Assessment Program (OB COAP) in a voluntary data collection and analysis initiative with the goal that women in the state of Washington receive evidence-based obstetrical care. It is based on the proven model of ongoing Foundation for Health Care Quality programs that have an established track record for improving quality. The advantages to participation in OB COAP include:
Anne Bryant, Senior Director of Government Relations
Physicians Insurance actively engages in the federal effort to enact effective reforms and protect health care providers from new causes of action.
We sit on the board of the Health Coalition on Liability and Access and serve as vice chair of its legislative committee. We also serve as the vice chair of the Physician Insurers Association of America Legislative Oversight Committee.
Two pieces of proposed federal legislation are particularly relevant today.
Physicians Insurance partners with the University of Washington on a three-year demonstration project, designed to improve communication to prevent adverse events and to communicate more effectively when events occur. The project is funded by the Agency for Healthcare Quality and Research (AHRQ).
Health care reform has the potential to dramatically change the delivery and financing of health care, perhaps the greatest change since the rapid growth of HMOs in the 1970s. A key component of health care reform as embodied in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is expanded access to comprehensive health insurance for approximately 45 million Americans currently uninsured or underinsured.
Noelle Edwards is admitted to the hospital in active labor, with an expected routine delivery. Two hours later, the fetal monitor shows a decelerating heart rate, and her nurse must set into motion the complex series of actions required for an emergency cesarean section. To meet the 30-minute “decision-to-incision” standard, her OB team needs the coordination seen in NBA playoffs.
Billing Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is nothing new, but the face of it is rapidly changing. Ten years ago, a Billing E&O claim often meant that there had been actual fraud and that someone was going to jail. Today, it is more likely to mean that an honest coding mistake was found and that fines and penalties will be assessed.
The company’s 2010 annual report features local physicians, staff members, a medical student, and WSMA executives. We appreciate their time and contribution to make this project a success:
Thomas Curry; Theresa Demeter; Len Eddinger; Merllie Flores, BSN, RNCOB; Thomas Gallagher, MD; Leslee Goetz, MN, RNC-OB; Ronald Hofeldt, MD; Cindy Irwin, BSN, RNC-OB; Kurt Leinweber, DO; Timothy Melhorn, MD; David Silver, MD; Katherine Van Kessel, MD; and Christina Wong
Physicians Insurance mailed each of our members an annual report in April.
