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Psychiatric News was recently advised that the name and mark "Benefacts," which was the title of this column, is registered for the exclusive use of Alexander & Alexander Consulting Group Inc., of Owings Mills, Md. That firm asked us to terminate the use of that title, and we do so with apologies to Alexander & Alexander for our unknowing use of their registered mark.
--The Editor
Earlier this year, I was notified by the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program that my May 1 renewal date would be changing to August 1, and thus my current policy would be extended to August 1. I recently received notice from the program that I was to have paid the premium by May 1. I was under the assumption that the premium would not be due until August 1. Am I currently without coverage?
The May 1 invoice is associated with the extension of coverage from May 1 to August 1, at which time your policy will be renewed. If you have not already submitted payment for the extension of coverage, the program will be happy to make arrangements to provide you with continuous coverage retroactively from May 1. Please call the program manager at (800) 245-3333 and ask to speak with your underwriter.
I recently received a letter from the "APA" offering a new professional liability insurance program designed specifically for psychiatrists. Is this program the same as the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program or is APA offering a new insurance program to its members?
The mailing you received was from the American Professional Agency in Amityville, N.Y., not the American Psychiatric Association (APA). The American Professional Agency is not affiliated with your APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program. APA's program is the only professional liability program designed exclusively for psychiatrists and behavioral health care professionals.
For more than a decade, the program has provided quality risk management, claims, and underwriting services specifically tailored to the needs of the behavioral health care community. The program has also maintained a continuous partnership with its insurance carrier, Legion Insurance Company, which is rated "A" (excellent) by A.M. Best.
The program has enjoyed a strong relationship with APA and will continue to offer security and peace of mind to its members by providing them with the services they want.
Read your mail carefully, as you will continue to receive information regarding new discounts and coverages available from the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program.
The American Professional Agency may contact you and other APA members again, but don't be fooled.
This column is provided as a service to the membership by the Psychiatrists' Purchasing Group Inc. (PPG), operator of the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program.
APA welcomes the opportunity to hear from you about APA-sponsored benefit programs. Send your questions on the APA insurance and special benefit programs to "At Your Service," Psychiatric News, APA, 1000 Wilson Boulevard, Arlington, Va. 22209-3901.
(Psychiatric News, May 16, 1997)