Medical Mutual Holdings Inc. Rebrands to Curi

May 21, 2019 by matray

North Carolina-headquartered insurer of medical liability Medical Mutual Holdings, Inc., announced that it is rebranding to Curi, a new name and brand that is intended to better reflect the company’s mission to help physicians in medicine, business and life. According to the company, the Curi name captures the constant curiosity that the company has had since its founding — a curiosity to continually look for new ways to meet the ever-evolving needs of physicians.

A mutual insurance company owned by physicians, Curi has also expanded its offerings beyond medical malpractice insurance to a variety of services for physicians and medical practices, including wealth management and other financial services, health policy consulting and well-being programs.

“The Curi brand is a more accurate reflection of our mission to help physicians in medicine, business and life. It’s a mission we’ve been focused on internally for some time now — it’s been our North Star as we’ve expanded into new offerings and geographies in recent years,” said Dale Jenkins, Curi chief executive. “While many of our practice services have been embedded in the insurance part of our business, offerings like health policy consulting are new to the mix. Our wealth management services for physicians and retirement plan solutions for practices are also newer to our core set of resources for physicians and those who support them.

“We’re continuing to explore the needs and opportunities that aren’t being met for physicians. We’re here to care for the caregivers, and we know that can and will take many shapes in the future. You can expect to see new ideas from us soon.”

The company that became Curi was established as Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina in 1975, when other carriers stopped offering medical professional liability insurance to physicians in North Carolina. Since then, the company’s insurance offerings have expanded to 46 states and the District of Columbia, with concentrations of customers in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.

A mutual company owned by physicians, Curi has also expanded its offerings beyond medical malpractice insurance to a variety of services for physicians and medical practices, including wealth management and other financial services, health policy consulting, and well-being programs.

The comprehensive rebrand includes:

• The new Curi name, which points to curiosity, a trait that drives the Curi team forward in pursuit of supporting physicians.

• A new logo (see above) inspired by the company’s legacy and its previous logo. The Curi mark signifies passion and curiosity.

• A brighter color palette that breaks from the traditional greens and blue of the healthcare industry with bright shades that differentiate the company from its peers.

• A more modern digital presence with the launch of three new websites — Curi.com, Curi Practice Services and Curi Capital — each of which represent a more streamlined experience for visitors, returning members and customers.

The Doctors Company Names Daniel Cassavar, MD, to Board of Governors

May 21, 2019 by matray

The Doctors Company announced the appointment of Daniel Kent Cassavar, MD, MBA, to its Board of Governors.

Cassavar most recently was president and chief medical officer of ProMedica Physicians, a healthcare network of specialized hospitals, facilities, researchers, physicians and

advanced practice providers headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, and serving 28 states. ProMedica is renowned for its medical excellence, strong physician culture and commitment to community service. Prior to joining ProMedica, Cassavar was an interventional cardiologist at Northwest Ohio Cardiology Consultants and was a founding member of Cardiocare Consultants.

"We are pleased to welcome Dr. Cassavar to our board," said Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company. "His experience as a physician leader with a strong clinical background and remarkable success in leading a 975-provider network will be a wonderful complement to our mission to advance the practice of good medicine."

Cassavar is a diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and certified in interventional cardiology and cardiovascular diseases. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American College of Cardiology and a member of the American Medical Association, the Toledo and Michigan chapters of the American College of Cardiology, the American Heart Association, the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of Vascular Medicine.

"I am very proud to be associated with The Doctors Company," said Cassavar. "Its mission and vision, culminating in the enhancement of patient safety, are second to none. It is a true pleasure to assist in the continued strategic growth of this unparalleled organization." After graduating from the Medical College of Ohio, Cassavar completed his residency at St. Mary Medical Center of UCLA, was chief fellow of Cardiovascular Medicine at Providence Hospital and Medical Centers in Michigan, and earned an MBA from the University of Michigan, Ross School of Business.

The Doctors Company Names Howard Mills to Board of Governors

May 16, 2019 by matray

The Doctors Company announced the appointment of Howard Mills to the Board of Governors.

Mills is the former global insurance regulatory leader of Deloitte. Prior to joining Deloitte in 2007, he served as superintendent of the New York State Insurance Department (now known as the Department of Financial Services). He also served as a leader at the National Association of Insurance Commissioners and the International Association of Insurance Supervisors, as a member of the presidential Financial and Banking Information Infrastructure Committee, and as co-chair of the International Commission on Holocaust Era Insurance Claims.

Mills serves on the Board of Directors of the Insurance Federation of New York, as a trustee of the Griffith Insurance Education Foundation, and as a member of the International Insurance Society. He has testified before Congress on matters impacting the insurance industry and served three terms in the New York State Assembly, including a term as deputy minority leader.

"We are pleased to have Howard Mills as a member of our board," said Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and CEO of The Doctors Company. "His expertise in the New York, federal, and international insurance regulatory environments; decades-long experience in public policy as an elected and appointed official; and deep understanding of enterprise risk management will provide critical insight into the impacts of regulations on our business model and strategy — and support our commitment to protecting the practice of good medicine."

"I am excited to be joining the board of The Doctors Company," said Mills. "I look forward to working with this exceptional group of individuals and with a company that sets the standard in providing physicians the security that is critical to the practice of good medicine and to the health of all patients."

Mills earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Marist College and a master's degree in public administration from American University. He completed a course of study in politics, philosophy, and economics at Mansfield College, Oxford.

Dawn C. Lantiere, RN, MSN, Joins CMIC Group Loss Prevention Department

May 15, 2019 by matray

CMIC Group announced that Dawn C. Lantiere, RN, MSN, has joined the Loss Prevention department as a senior loss prevention specialist.

Lantiere, a registered nurse in Connecticut, has more than 18 years of experience in the nursing field. She most recently served as the assistant director of nursing at Masonicare in Wallingford, Conn., where she oversaw the Acute Hospital and Geriatric Psychiatric Units. Prior to that, she was the regional director of nursing at Apple Rehab in Plainville, Conn., where she managed several post-operative rehabilitation facilities. Lantiere has experience in both state and regulatory surveys and certifications, including development of readiness programs. In addition to her clinical supervision, she was involved in Quality Assurance and Process Improvement, along with High Reliability training.

“We are pleased to welcome Dawn to the Loss Prevention team,” said Denise Condron, CMIC Group director of loss prevention. “Her experience in Acute and Chronic care will enhance the mission of the Loss Prevention department by providing our policyholders with the highest quality services. We are looking forward to sharing our expansion of tools and resources with our healthcare community.”

Lantiere holds a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Hartford and is a member of the American Nurses Association, Connecticut Nurses' Association and Sigma Theta Tau Honors Society. In 2002, she was awarded Emergency Nurse’s Association Clinical Nurse of the Year. Prior to receiving her master’s degree, she completed a Bachelor of Science from Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn.

Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers (PRI) Launches PRI Physicians’ Club for Insureds and Non-Insureds

May 13, 2019 by matray

Physicians’ Reciprocal Insurers (PRI) announced the creation of its PRI Physicians’ Club, which will provide a unique opportunity for doctors within the New York area.

The creation of the Physicians’ Club is one way that PRI supports doctors in the New York area. The concept behind the club is to create a regular forum where physicians can talk and socialize in a relaxed environment. The meetings will provide a unique opportunity for doctors to exchange ideas, build relationships and support each other. According to PRI, there is much joy and satisfaction that can be found within the practice of medicine, which is sometimes lost in the stress of daily practice. The club is a place to relax and an opportunity to share experiences with other physicians.

Membership in the PRI Physicians’ Club is free, and the club is open to all New York physicians, both PRI insureds and non-PRI insureds. The first meeting will include a discussion on work-life balance.

The health and well-being of both PRI’s clients and physicians across the country are important to the long-term success of the healthcare industry as a whole, as well as the people they provide services to.

The first meeting of the PRI Physicians’ Club will take place on Friday, May 31st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at PRI’s Roslyn headquarters, 1800 Northern Boulevard, Roslyn NY. This event is free of charge; wine and cheese will be served. Registration for this event is required; RSVP can be completed via this Registration Link.

Curi Names Farrelly New Head of Underwriting

May 13, 2019 by matray

Curi, previously Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina, today announced the appointment of Sean Farrelly as its new senior vice president of underwriting. In this role, Farrelly will lead Curi's underwriting operations nationwide, with a focus on evolving the company's offerings in medical professional liability insurance, alternative risk and other solutions.

Farrelly joins Curi from PartnerRe, a global reinsurer, where he served as the portfolio manager for U.S. medical professional liability reinsurance. Additionally, he handled a diverse portfolio of casualty reinsurance business as a member of the broader U.S. Casualty team. Prior to his time at PartnerRe, Farrelly also held underwriting leadership roles at Odyssey Re, another leading reinsurer. Both reinsurers are longtime partners of Curi, formerly Medical Mutual.

"Sean's arrival is the latest affirmation of our commitment to innovating in the medical professional liability space—particularly as we continue to grow and evolve our alternative risk offering to meet the needs of today's physicians and medical practices," said Jason Sandner, Curi's chief financial officer. "With his macro-level view of the market as a whole, Sean will bring broad thinking to our underwriting approach and initiatives."

Farrelly has spent his entire career in underwriting roles and has demonstrated an ability to drive disciplined growth. With Curi's insurance offerings now available in 46 states and the District of Columbia, the company has many opportunities for strategic growth beyond its traditional concentrations of customers in the Southeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Beyond its geographic reach, Curi is uniquely positioned to help physicians and practices solve for an array of risk-sharing alternatives.

"I have followed Curi's growth and mission-driven work as a reinsurance partner for many years and am honored to now be part of this team," said Farrelly. "The dynamics of today's medical professional liability space will require much thoughtful attention in the years to come, and I look forward to helping the Curi team develop the best offerings and solutions for physicians and practice leaders, while maintaining the integrity of our underwriting approach."

CAP Physicians Insurance Agency Appointed to The Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club

May 10, 2019 by matray

The Cooperative of American Physicians, Inc. (CAP) today announced that CAP Physicians Insurance Agency, Inc. (CAP Agency), a wholly owned subsidiary of CAP, has been appointed to The Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club, which recognizes elite independent insurance agencies from across the country. Agencies named to the company’s President’s Club are recognized for delivering outstanding value to their customers through insurance expertise and responsive service.

“This is recognition of the value we place on providing specialized and innovative insurance solutions that meet the unique needs of our physician members,” says CAP Agency president and CEO Deidri Hoppe. “Being selected for the Hanover Insurance Group’s President’s Club is proof that we’re creating true value for our members and delivering the sort of outstanding service on which CAP prides itself.”

CAP Agency was formally recognized for its inclusion in the company’s President’s Club at a national business conference in Bluffton, S.C., and is one of only 120 independent agencies recognized with the distinction.

CAP members receive access to CAP Agency, which serves as a dedicated insurance agency offering free advice and consulting on a wide range of insurance products beyond medical malpractice coverage, including life insurance, group disability and cyber risk protection. CAP Agency provides members with competitively priced insurance products for purchase from carriers rated “A” (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best, all through one source.

Hub International Limited Acquires Assets of RIMS Insurance Brokerage Corporation

May 9, 2019 by matray

Hub International Limited (Hub) has acquired the assets of RIMS Insurance Brokerage Corp. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

Located in Providence, R.I., RIMS Insurance Brokerage Corp., has offered medical professional liability insurance as well as life, health, disability, worker’s compensation, business owner’s insurance and other coverages since 1988. Its focus on the healthcare industry supports Hub’s Specialty practices by complementing and strengthening Hub’s existing capabilities.

Robert Anderson, president of RIMS Insurance Brokerage Corp., will join Hub New England and will report to Daniel Nissi, president, Healthcare Specialty Practice, Hub New England.

“We are thrilled to have Bob of RIMS Insurance Brokerage Corporation join the Hub Healthcare team, and expand our expertise and services to medical practices and healthcare facilities in Rhode Island,” said Shawn McLaughlin, Hub’s national healthcare specialty practice leader.

The Doctors Company, UCSF Launch Novel Collaboration to Advance Patient Safety in the Digital Era

May 7, 2019 by matray

The Doctors Company and the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), a top-ranked health system and medical school, today launched a new partnership at the intersection of digital medicine and patient safety. The Doctors Company’s commitment to advancing the practice of good medicine will be expanded through a $1 million collaboration that will enable leading UCSF researchers in evidence-based patient safety practices, safety and information technology–related policy, as well as artificial intelligence (AI) to pursue cutting-edge questions.

Widespread digitization of the healthcare system over the past decade — including electronic health records (EHRs), apps and sensors — offers new ways to study and address traditional patient safety challenges such as diagnostic and medication errors. There also are new challenges that stem directly from these emerging digital capabilities, including how to integrate AI tools into front-line care, mitigate alert fatigue, share data with patients, preserve the physician-patient relationship with increasing use of technology in the exam room and asynchronous communication tools, avoid physician burnout related to suboptimal EHR usability and performance and ensure cybersecurity.

The Doctors Company–UCSF collaboration will maximize the strengths of both organizations to make substantive advances in patient safety and digital health through novel research and engagement — with the goal of safer care. According to Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP, chairman and chief executive officer of The Doctors Company, ”We are proud to partner with a world-class institution like UCSF in a mission-based collaboration that has the power to improve medical outcomes in the transformative sphere of digital healthcare.”

The UCSF team is led by two accomplished researchers — Julia Adler-Milstein, PhD, associate professor of medicine, and Urmimala Sarkar, MD, associate professor of medicine — who bring complementary expertise to the partnership.

“The primary goal of the partnership is to discover and disseminate new insights into risk mitigation strategies and patient safety by connecting top-tier UCSF researchers and unique resources and expertise from The Doctors Company,” Adler-Milstein said. “It is a rare and exciting opportunity to have two such organizations come together to jointly advance such an important area.”

Sarkar is specifically excited about “the valuable opportunity to learn more about errors in diagnosis for outpatient physicians across a range of practice settings, and to find creative ways to improve medical practice.”

Robert Wachter, MD, chair of UCSF’s Department of Medicine and a member of The Doctors Company’s Board of Governors, has championed this collaboration.

“The Doctors Company insures 82,000 physicians in the U.S. and has a rare window into the causes of medical errors and strategies to mitigate them,” Wachter said. “By leveraging UCSF’s world-class research community, we believe that we can develop new insights into safety hazards and strategies to keep patients safe.”

Oklahoma Supreme Court Overturns $350k Damage Cap

May 6, 2019 by matray

In a 5-3 opinion released on April 23, the Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that the state’s $350,000 cap on recoverable non-economic damages is unconstitutional.

According to the majority opinion in Beason v. I.E. Miller Services, Inc., the Court found the noneconomic damage cap to be an unconstitutional “special law” because it limited damages for only those who survive an accident and bring a civil lawsuit. The law did not limit damages for wrongful death lawsuits brought on behalf of the estates of persons killed in accidents. A statute is a “special law” when part of an entire class of similarly affected persons is segregated and targeted for different treatment and is prohibited by Article 5, Section 46 of the Oklahoma Constitution.

“The failing of the statute is that it purports to limit recovery for pain and suffering in cases where the plaintiff survives the injury-causing event, while persons who die from the injury-causing event face no such limitation,” Justice John Reif wrote in the majority opinion.

The Justices noted that the Oklahoma Constitution explicitly forbids any limitation on the amount of recoverable damages for injuries resulting in death. “By forbidding limits on recovery for injuries resulting in death, the people have left it to juries to determine the amount of compensation for pain and suffering in such cases, and no good reason exists for the Legislature to provide a different rule for the same detriment simply because the victim survives the harm-causing event,” according to the opinion. “And the people have demonstrated their intent that the Legislature not discriminate in this way by expressly prohibiting the Legislature from enacting special laws.”

The decision involved a lawsuit filed by a worker whose left arm was amputated following an accident at an oil well. An Oklahoma County jury awarded James Beason and his wife a total of $15 million, including $6 million for pain and suffering. A judge reduced the jury award on noneconomic damages to $700,000 — $350,000 for each of the Beasons — in order to comply with the law.

Upon striking down the damage cap law, the Supreme Court remanded the case back to the trial judge with instructions to enter judgment in the full amount of the jury’s verdict.