Executive Notes
Physicians Administrative Defense A Major Benefit

By Linda Stratton


The SBCMS provides many benefits for our members, both tangible and intangible. In the next few issues of SCP, I will be highlighting various tangible benefits of membership that help you either increase your office efficiencies and/or protect you and your practice.

This month's benefit highlight is NORCAL's Physicians Administrative Defense (PAD) Endorsement

The fraud and abuse crackdown by the Federal Government and other state regulatory agencies is resulting in an alarming increase in the number of administrative claims against physicians. NORCAL's Physicians Administrative Defense (PAD) Endorsement protects the business side of your medical practice in the event that you become implicated in an administrative action or investigation.
PAD is available at no additional premium cost, and for members of the San Bernardino County Medical Society, the $1,000 deductible is waived.

PAD provides protection against:

Medical Licensure and Privileges
Even after a medical professional liability claim is resolved, an administrative proceeding may be filed against you. PAD covers the legal defense costs for disciplinary proceedings or events instituted against you by government agencies, regulatory boards and third-party payers (HMOs).

Billing Errors & Omissions
It is difficult to be aware of all billing requirements and compliance issues. When the integrity of your office and staff is challenged, PAD covers the defense costs regarding allegations of billing errors, omissions or other noncompliance issues, including those from third-party payers.

Employment Practices Defense
By statute, you are responsible for your behavior in the workplace, as well as that of your staff. PAD covers the defense costs for employment-related civil actions, including sexual harassment, discrimination and wrongful termination.

Physicians Administrative Consulting
When you need professional advice on how to protect your practice, the last thing you want to worry about is not being able to afford your consultant¹s fees. PAD covers your consultation fees* and helps you to prepare for or avoid a likely administrative proceeding.

Practice Interruption Expense
Time is money, and nothing can be more frustrating, and even crippling, than losing revenue because you have to attend administrative hearings or lengthy trials. PAD makes direct payments to you to offset the lost practice revenue incurred during your required presence at administrative hearings or actions.
For more information on the PAD program please contact either the SBCMS office or a NORCAL representative at 1-800-652-1051.