Policyholder Services

Does OMIC insure physicians for proctoring other ophthalmologists?

That depends on the allegation. If the patient on whom the proctored case is performed names the insured as a defendant or codefendant in a claim resulting from injury arising from the proctored procedure, OMIC will provide defense and indemnity coverage. In most circumstances, OMIC should be able to successfully have the insured dismissed from the claim, unless s/he actually participated in the procedure and contributed to the injury. If the physician proctors another ophthalmologist, that ophthalmologist subsequently treats other patients, and such other patient files claim against the OMIC insured for improper proctoring (such as providing inaccurate instruction how to perform the procedure, “approving” someone who is unqualified, etc.), no coverage is extended. The only exception to this may be in such instances where the OMIC insured performs the proctoring as part of the peer review/accreditation process for a licensed health care facility (hospital, surgery center, etc.). In those instances, coverage would be provided under Coverage Agreement D: Professional Committee Activities Coverage for Ophthalmologists.

Before proctoring any cases, the proctor should confirm with the surgeon that the surgeon maintains insurance coverage for the procedure being performed and at reasonable limits.