The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) partners with organizations providing optional services through programs administered by outside companies to offer members additional benefits. These programs help improve practice performance, or simply save members money on professional services through member discounts. One such program is the AANS Professional Liability Insurance Program administered through The Doctors’ Company (TDC).
The AANS Professional Liability Insurance Program provides premium discounts for AANS members with favorable claims histories, broad liability limit options, a consent-to-settle provision, and coverage for locum tenens. Free retirement tail coverage is offered to policyholders on full retirement at age 55 or older, and who have been insured for five years, or who suffer death or permanent and total disability. All benefits are subject to underwriting approval and state law.
Founded by doctors for doctors, The Doctors Company has earned consecutive ratings in the A/Excellent range from insurance industry ratings agency A.M. Best since 1986. Detailed information is available at www.thedoctors.com/company/endorsement/aans.asp or by calling (866) 483-2435.
The AANS Professional Liability Committee oversees the program, acting as an ombudsman for AANS members.
“The committee fields inquiries into underwriting decisions, advocates member issues to TDC, and provides TDC with guidance on neurosurgical risk issues,” said John A. Kusske, MD, committee chair. “Our principal role is to oversee this program and educate TDC on the risks members face each day.”
Neurosurgical panel reviews, on which the committee participates, form the basis of risk management bulletins, publications, and services available to members through this program. The committee also offers members guidance on how to practice in the current litigious environment and developed the “Medical Liability: How to Develop an Action Plan,” breakfast seminar 301 at the 2004 AANS Annual Meeting in Orlando.
Kathleen T. Craig is AANS marketing director.