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TOMA endorses "Advocate, D.O." for Members' Professional Liability Insurance Needs

(Article, Dec. 2006 issue Texas DO)

At its September 2006 meeting, the Board of Trustees of the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association made the decision to exclusively endorse the “Advocate, DO” program - a professional liability insurance program designed specifically for TOMA members. The program is underwritten by the Austin-based Advocate, MD Insurance Company of the Southwest.

This decision was not made lightly. Developments in other programs were a factor, as was the ultimate goal of providing TOMA members with a liability insurance product specifically geared towards their needs and in line with market factors. The Board is optimistic that the Advocate, DO program is such a product.

Q&A with Jack Murphy, President and CEO of Advocate, MD Insurance of the Southwest

Q: How long has Advocate, MD been in business?
A: Advocate, MD Financial Group was incorporated July 17th, 2003. Advocate, MD Insurance Company of the Southwest started writing business in Texas June 1, 2004.

Q: Where is the home office located?
A: 2700 Via Fortuna, Austin, Texas 78746

Q: What prompted the decision to establish the Advocate, DO program?
A: The Advocate, DO program was established to provide broad coverage at a discounted rate for TOMA members. It is not a subsidiary, but an especially designed program underwritten by Advocate, MD Insurance Company of the Southwest.

Q: When will Advocate, DO be up and running?
A: It became effective October 1st, 2006.

Q: Will Advocate, DO be doing business in other states as well?
A: Not planned at present.

Q: How will marketing/sales be handled from your end?
A: Through our agency organization

Q: What kind of coverage will be offered?
A: Professional Medical Liability coverage with available limits from $100,000 per claim/300,000 aggregate up to $1,000,000 per claim/3,000.000 aggregate, with most limits available between those limits.

Q: What are the benefits/discounts offered to TOMA members through the Advocate, DO program?

  • We are composed of an excellent staff that represents over 200 years of combined experience in the insurance industry and over 160 years experience in the medical malpractice field in Texas
  • We offer a claims-made policy.
  • Retroactive coverage (prior-acts coverage) is available for most physicians, subject to underwriting approval.
  • We will pay legal expenses in addition to the limits of liability on the policy.
  • We offer a wide range of limits from $100,000/$300,000 up to $1,000,000/$3,000,000.
  • We utilize an experienced team of attorneys across the state of Texas that has been chosen for their track record in medical malpractice suits.
  • We have knowledgeable and experienced claims representatives to work with you should a claim be filed against you.
  • The policy requires the Named Insured’s written consent to make or conclude any offer to settle a professional liability claim, subject to receiving consent on a reasonable basis.
  • We offer free tail coverage in the event of complete retirement, and as long as the physician is at least 55 years of age and has been insured by Advocate, D.O. for 5 consecutive years.
  • New to practice physicians receive a 30% discount for the first two years of their policy.
  • We offer free locum tenens coverage in the event the insured needs a physician to replace them while on vacation or an extended leave.
  • We offer a 30% part-time discount to physicians in nonsurgical medical specialties who practice 20 hours or less a week.
  • We offer coverage in all counties across the state of Texas.
  • We offer coverage to all medical specialties.
  • We are a state regulated insurance company.
  • We do not require a physician to be a member of any organization in order to be insured; however, osteopathic physicians must be a member of TOMA to receive the special discounts.
  • There are no hidden fees that will be associated with the policy; all the physician pays is the appropriate premium.
  • Our Risk Management Department constantly researches and reviews legislative and regulatory requirements to help our physicians keep up with the many changes to their practice.

Q: Who should osteopathic physicians contact for further information?
A: For additional information, please call 800-686-2734 and ask for Sales. _

To read the original article click on link below:
http://www.txosteo.org/The%20Texas%20D.O./2006/Tx_DO_December_2006.pdf