HOW TO REPORT A CLAIM OR INCIDENT

TO avoid a claim, it is helpful to contact IND’s risk manager to discuss issues and incidents in your practice. IND provides this service in order to help you discover problematic conditions in your practice and to help guide you – and your staff - in ways to reduce your risk of injuring or irritating patients, thereby reducing your risk of malpractice claims being threatened or filed. Feel free to contact Idora Silver at any time to discuss your concerns. She can be reached at the IND office at (702)697-6400 or directly at (775)829-0606.

IF there is a claim, incident, threat, or maloccurrence, however, it is important to report it immediately. There are many things IND can do to begin your defense and perhaps stop a lawsuit before it happens.

WHAT to report:  Any claim, summons, threat, demand for money or services, refund,  maloccurrence, board complaint. A demand may be in writing, in person, by telephone, fax or email. It may be made informally or formally, as a filed legal action. These might be made against you, the physician, any employee, partner, or legal entity.

WHOM to report to: Contact your insurance broker immediately or IND at (866)940-6526,  (702)697-6400 or (702)697-6401 (fax).

WHAT to provide: Date of the incident, name of the patient, narrative of the circumstances, copies of correspondence. Assemble all medical records, consent forms, radiographs, lab reports, consult reports. Have copies available and store the originals in a safe location. DO NOT MAKE ANY CHANGES IN THE RECORDS – ADDITIONS, DELETIONS, or CORRECTIONS!

WHAT next: If appropriate, IND will assign you a claims representative or an attorney who will evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Listen to your attorney! Make time to aid in the investigation, defense, or settlement of the claim. All discussions with your attorney are confidential and protected.

DO NOT discuss the case with anyone other than your claims representative or attorney.

DO NOT attend any meetings regarding the case without your legal representative.

DO NOT sign any release or agreement without consulting your attorney.

DO NOT admit any liability nor assess blame to anyone.

DO get prepared for the time, energy, and emotional effort it will take to fully litigate a claim.    It is a very difficult time for most physicians, their families, and their office staff. Get professional help to deal with the issues of stress which can include anger, frustration, fear, insomnia, irritability, defensiveness, and physical ailments. If appropriate, get counseling immediately to help you sort through these complex emotions and keep you dealing effectively with your life and your work.

IND is here to protect you. We will not cancel your policy when you report a claim, and your defense costs are included in the policy. We honor open communication and will keep you apprised of the progress of your case.

IND offers three risk management programs per year, two in Las Vegas and one in Reno.  In addition, tailored programs are also held for nurses, administrators, and medical office staff.  Information regarding these programs can be found here:  http://www.ind-insurance.com/risk-management.  Please contact Idora Silver, IND Director of Risk Management, at (775) 829-0606 if you have any specific risk management questions or would like to consult with her on customizing a program specific to your needs.