From: AMC/NOMA Staff
SUBJECT: AMC/NOMA Notables
Date: December 14, 2001
AMC/NOMA provides print materials through fax blasts, our magazine
– The Cleveland Physician, fact sheets, mailers and through our Web site at www.amcnoma.org. Periodically
the physician members with email addresses will receive the AMC/NOMA Notables.
The St. Paul Companies to exit medical malpractice business
The St. Paul Companies, Inc. recently announced a series of actions to improve their profitability, including exiting its medical malpractice business. The St. Paul will complete the process of exiting the medical malpractice business on a global basis through non-renewal upon policy expiration. The traditional property-casualty segment of the unit - property, workers compensation, and commercial auto insurance for healthcare professionals and facilities - will continue to be underwritten by the company's standard commercial underwriting operation.
The company is forecasting that medical malpractice will generate a 2001 underwriting loss of nearly $940 million, which includes a $600 million reserve. 2001 forecast net written premiums for medical malpractice are approximately $530 million. The St. Paul expects to take a restructuring charge of approximately $20 million in the fourth quarter of 2001 associated with its actions in Global Healthcare.
AMC/NOMA to survey physicians in Northeastern Ohio regarding medical liability insurance
AMC/NOMA has prepared a survey that will be sent out in the next week to physicians in Northeastern Ohio to help us quantify the effects of medical liability premium increases. The AMC/NOMA plans to use the results of this survey in communications with local media and legislators. The impact of increased premiums on your patients will be of particular interest to the public, media and government officials. A copy of the survey will also be available on our web site at www.amcnoma.org. Click here to download a copy (MS Word format)
AMA study clearly shows the need for antitrust relief – and strengthens the need for the passage of HB 325 – the joint negotiations act in Ohio
The AMA has released
a comprehensive study of the healthcare industry that illustrates how significant
insurance companies’ market power has diminished competition. The goal of the study was to determine health
insurer market share “based on current available data to get a picture of the
competitiveness (or lack thereof) of health insurance markets.” The study confirmed what patients and physicians
have known for some time, that in many parts of the country, a few insurance companies
that have significant power over the marketplace dominate health insurance markets. The findings offer support for initiatives to
provide antitrust relief for physicians, so that physicians may effectively negotiate with
health plans without fear of violating the antitrust laws.
This study will be of assistance as the AMC/NOMA continues the debate on HB 325 in
Ohio.
AMC/NOMA’s Healthlines radio program wins A.I.R. award
The AMC/NOMA
Healthlines radio program was a winner in the March of Dimes Northeast Ohio’s Fifth
Annual Achievement in Radio Awards. A segment
featuring a pediatrician member of the AMC/NOMA on the subject of Doulas and Childbirth,
was awarded Best Coverage of Infant and Maternal Health Issues as submitted by WCLV 104.9
FM. AMC/NOMA members interested in appearing
on the Healthlines radio program to discuss a medical topic may contact our offices at
(216) 520-1000, ext. 320.
AMA releases PSA on biological and chemical terrorism
The American Medical Association has released a national television public service announcement directing the public to their family physician and the AMA Web site for up-to-date information on biological and chemical terrorism.
This PSA is part of a major effort of the AMA to educate physicians and the public with the issue of bioterrorism. It will be distributed by satellite to television news and public affairs directors. For more information on this topic or to down load the PSA announcement, visit the American Medical Association's Web site at www.ama-assn.org .
The AMC/NOMA Web site has a section dedicated to bioterrorism/disaster resources. To view this portion of the site go to www.amcnoma.org and click on the bioterrorism link.
Physicians are urged to contact legislators about the flawed Medicare payment
formula
In the one month since legislation was introduced, a majority in both the House and the Senate have recognized the need to fix an outdated and flawed Medicare payment formula. The “Medicare Physician Payment Fairness Act of 2001” (H.R. 3351 and S. 1707) is now supported by more than 240 House co-sponsors and 54 Senate co-sponsors. Physicians are encouraged to contact their legislators at the federal level by calling (800) 833-6354.
AMC/NOMA upcoming events:
Wine-tasting at La Cave Du Vin Wine Bar – Thursday, January, 24, 2002 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. For a copy of a registration form go to our web site at www.amcnoma.org.
AMC/NOMA mini-internship - The AMC/NOMA mini-internship program will be held on Monday and Tuesday, February 18th and 19th or the following Monday and Tuesday, February 25, and 26th. Physician members in specific specialties should be receiving information on participation in this program in the next few days.
Note: “AMC/NOMA Notables”
includes links that provide direct access to Internet sites other than the AMC/NOMA site,
the AMC/NOMA takes no responsibility for the content or information obtained on those
other web sites, and we do not have any editorial or other control over those web sites. Additional information on these topics may be
available on our web site at www.amcnoma.org.