Underwriting: We Want to Talk with You, the Physician

Many insurers rely upon a matrix to determine if a physician is insurable and/or to set a premium level. Matrix underwriting is based solely on the number of claims reported and/or the amount of any settlement or jury award. No other facts or extenuating circumstances are needed, or wanted, by the carriers that employ this methodology. We view this type of underwriting as unfair to physicians but recognize that it is easy for those carriers to utilize it, simply because it requires very little effort.

Our underwriting process is qualitative as we talk directly with our physician applicants in order to learn the details of claims that are not discernable by way of an application. We pursue additional information on each claim or suit because we recognize the medical-legal climate that physicians must endure today and who, through no fault of their own, end up in court on cases that are medically defensible. Just as important is whether the physician implemented any risk management practices to avoid specific circumstances from occurring in the future. Our experienced underwriters know how to talk with physicians, gather all of the information surrounding past claims and reach a fair underwriting decision.