FAQs
Forms & PublicationsFrequently Asked Questions
Underwriting/Policy FAQs
1. How do I establish an individual UMIA policy?
2. How do I cancel my UMIA policy?
3. Does UMIA offer discounts?
4. Who is covered under my policy?
Claims FAQs
1. I am thinking about terminating a patient, how
should I proceed?
2. I received a subpoena to testify in a proceeding,
do I need an attorney?
3. I have been contacted by an attorney to discuss
my care in a case that I am not directly involved in. Is it okay
to talk to the attorney?
4. I’ve had an incident that may lead to a claim
against me. Do I need to let UMIA know?
5. A patient has requested his or her records, what do I need to obtain from him or her?
6. How long should I keep my records?
7. If I agree to settle a claim, will the amount
of indemnity paid on my behalf impact my rates?
Finance/Billing FAQs
1. My invoice is going to the wrong address,
who do I need to tell?
2. What does UMIA offer for payment plans?
Risk Management/CME FAQs
1. How can I earn a Risk Management discount?
2. How long does a Risk Management discount last?
3.
Can I print a copy of my CME Certificate?
Underwriting/Policy FAQs
How
do I establish an individual UMIA policy?
Please complete an Individual Application
as well as the Membership
Application Power of Attorney. Please mail
or fax the application and Power of Attorney to UMIA upon completion.
If you are interested in a premium quote, please call the Underwriting
Department.
If you are interested in adding
an ancillary, setting up a corporate policy or arranging coverage
for a Locum Tenens, please follow this link to the
Application page.
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How do I cancel my UMIA policy?
In order to cancel your UMIA policy, please provide written instructions
via mail, fax or email. Please include the last day that you will
need coverage as the policy will be cancelled at 12:01 AM on the
following day. The premium for tail coverage is due within 60 days
of the cancellation date.
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Does UMIA offer discounts?
UMIA offers many discounts including:
New Practitioner Discount, Loss Free Credit, Arbitration Discount,
Risk Management Discount, Corporation Discount, Physician Organization
Discount and Part Time Discounts. In addition, some physician groups
may qualify for additional discounts. The generous discounts offered
by UMIA may result in significant premium cost savings for the policyholder.
UMIA does not regularly offer
a dividend. Rather, we offer significant premium discounts. Hence,
you will pay less during the term rather than receiving a check
or renewal credit at the end of the term.
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Who is covered under my policy?
Your UMIA coverage extends to your employees including RN’s and
MA’s. Your policy does not cover physician extenders unless they
are specifically endorsed on your policy. In order to add a Physician
Assistant, Nurse Practitioner, Certified Nurse Midwife or Certified
Registered Nurse Anesthetist, please complete the application for
Additional Named Insured Ancillary Personnel.
If you have any other questions
related to your policy, please contact UMIA and ask to speak with
an underwriter.
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Claims FAQs
I am
thinking about terminating a patient, how should I proceed?
You will need to send a letter to the patient giving him or her
30 days’ notice that the physician-patient relationship will be
terminated. Please see the template
for guidance.
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I received a subpoena to testify in a
proceeding, do I need an attorney?
In some cases you will need the assistance of any attorney, but
not always. Please contact UMIA to discuss the specific situation.
If an attorney is necessary, UMIA will provide one free of cost.
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I have been contacted by an attorney
to discuss my care in a case that I am not directly involved in.
Is it okay to talk to the attorney?
We highly recommend speaking to a UMIA claims investigator before
contacting the attorney. We will provide guidance as to how to deal
with the situation.
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I’ve had an incident that may lead to
a claim against me. Do I need to let UMIA know?
Notifying UMIA right away, and while your policy is active, is the
best way to protect yourself. A claims investigator will create
a file based on the information that you provide. The information
will be kept on record if a formal claim should arise.
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A patient has requested his or her records, what do I need to obtain from him or her?
You may release the records to the patient or a legal representative
who has a properly executed release form.
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How long should I keep my records?
We suggest that you keep your records for at least 7 years. If the
patient is a minor, we suggest that you keep the records until he
or she turns 19. If obstetrical care is rendered, we suggest that
you keep the records for 10 years after the delivery date.
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If I agree to settle a claim, will the
amount of indemnity paid on my behalf impact my rates?
If UMIA makes indemnity payments in excess of $50,001.00 to settle
a claim or as a result of a jury trial, your Loss Free Credit will
decrease. In the policy term following the close date of the claim,
the Loss Free Credit will be decreased by 10% (MT, WY, ID) or 12%
(UT).
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Finance/Billing FAQS
My
invoice is going to the wrong address, who do I need to tell?
Please call UMIA and ask for the Finance Department. Please
indicate that you are calling to change your billing address.
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What
does UMIA offer for payment plans?
UMIA offers five payment plans: Annual, Bi Monthly, Semi
Annual, Quarterly and Monthly. The monthly bill mode includes a
2% surcharge each month.
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Risk Management/CME FAQs
How
can I earn a Risk Management discount?
In order to earn a 5% Risk Management discount (7.5% in Montana),
you must attend a Risk Management Seminar or complete the online
education program (link to Risk Management Education screen). In
addition, if you have been insured with UMIA for 10 continuous years
and have not had a claim with indemnity paid over $50,001.00, you
qualify for the Risk Management discount by nature of being 10 years
claims free. Last, participation on a claim review committee, Underwriting
Committee or a UMIA board qualifies you for a Risk Management discount
during your tenure.
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How long does a Risk Management
discount last?
The Risk Management discount lasts
for three years. The discount will be applied to policy in the quarter
following your attendance at a seminar or completion of the web
program.
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Can I print a copy of my CME Certificate?
Yes, log on www.umia.onlineeducation.
Click on My Profile. You will have the option of printing CME Certificates
from the “View Archived Credits” section.
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