 |
 |
|
|
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.
Q: Our office just obtained internet access. Where can I find information about the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program?
A: More and more psychiatrists are turning to the Internet as a resource guide. The APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program’s Internet site, located at http://www.apa-plip.com, provides new and important information about professional liability insurance options designed specifically for today’s psychiatrists.
This impressive new site is extremely user friendly; guiding the site visitor step by step through the program’s products and services. You will find an abundance of information in sections that are clearly labeled with large, bold text, complemented by vivid colors and eye-catching icons.
One of the most helpful features of this site is that it is interactive. Finding specific information about a product or service is as simple as entering a word or word combination into the search field. The search provides you with a list of different pages within the site where you can explore the information about your choice. In addition, if you desire more information about the program, the Web site allows you to request it by e-mail sent directly to a program representative. Upon request, you can receive specific information and even an application for enrollment in the program.
The site will be updated frequently and will soon feature links to other related psychiatric sites. We encourage you to bookmark it for quick reference.
For more information about the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program, please visit http://www.apa-plip.com; you can also send e-mail to theprogram@apa-plip.com or call (800) 245-3333, ext. 389.
Q: Does the APA-sponsored Professional Liability Insurance Program offer limits of liability greater than $1 million/$3 million?
A: Yes. If you currently carry limits of $1 million/$3 million, you may be eligible for an increased limit of $2 million/$6 million.
Q: Isn’t this the same as the Excess Coverage that the program used to offer?
A: No. In fact, the limit increase is better. It means you do not have to obtain a separate policy. Since the increased limit is attached to your current policy, it follows your current claims mode or occurrence form.
A: Is there a difference in the additional coverage of Claims Made Excess versus an increased limit?
Q: Yes. With the limit increase you actually receive an additional $2 million in coverage on an aggregate basis. The final cost for the limit increase is only approximately 5% greater than the Claims Made Excess.
Many doctors are beginning to recognize the invaluable sense of security that a higher limit of liability offers. For more information about the new increased limits or for a premium quotation, contact your state’s underwriter at (800) 245-3333.
(Note: The available limits of liability vary by state. Contact your state’s underwriter.)
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; e-mail: pnews@psych.org.