UMIA Online Education Debuts July 1, 2008

The UMIA Board of Directors is proud to announce the launch of UMIA Online Education, the online risk management program that provides insureds with real-time access to risk management education and CME credits. Physicians no longer have to travel to scheduled risk management workshops. Instead, they can take courses and earn credits at their convenience from the comfort of their homes and offices. The online risk management program will save physicians time and resources, and improve convenience and accessibility to risk management information.

The program content is similar to current workshops with plans for ongoing upgrades as development moves forward. Web technology allows for a coordinated audiovisual presentation followed by a short CME test. The program can be taken as often as desired, but no less than once every three years for physicians who wish to secure the risk management discount and do not otherwise qualify for the discount. Physicians insured more than ten years without a significant claim, those that participate in risk management, and those in exempt specialties automatically qualify for the risk management discount. If you are unsure of your status contact Jeri James at jjames@umia.com.

To access UMIA Online Education, visit www.umia.com and click on “Online Education.” Required information for secure log in includes your last name, UMIA policy number, birth date, and a valid email address. Once signed in, your progress in the online curriculum is easily tracked through your individual profile under “My Profile.” You can find your policy number on the declaration page of your UMIA policy or your UMIA invoice.

Each specialty has a unique curriculum taken in a prescribed order. The program involves multiple presentations by different faculty allowing for natural breaks so it can be done in half hour to one and a half hour segments. Once a segment is started, it has to be completed within 2 days. In addition, the entire program must be completed three months prior to the expiration of your risk management discount or completed 3 months prior to the quarter you want the discount to start. All discounts expire at the end of a quarter; thus, if your discount expires on September 30, 2008 you must complete the program prior to the end of the previous quarter on June 30, 2008 to prevent an interruption in your discount. You can view your current discount and expiration date in the “My Profile” section of the UMIA Online Education website.

What happens next?

CME certificates can be printed upon completion of each segment. After you complete all the courses in the curriculum for your specialty, the discount is automatically applied to your premium at the beginning of the next billing quarter. Comments, suggestions, or support can be handled directly through the website.

Please log on at www.umia.com and check your status or begin the program at your earliest convenience.