Malpractice Tail Coverage For Past Employment

[2TH MVR]

My goal is to move on from private practice to part time Corporate employment (downsizing my life). The Corp office covers my malpractice insurance there. My current malpractice insurance is informing me that I will need tail insurance for as long as I practice for past patients prior to the Corp position. In my state ... the statute of limitations is 2 yrs. But evidently .... for minors .... the statute clock doesn't start until they are a legal adult (18?). I was thinking about only buying tail coverage for 2 years, but now I do not know.

Another bit of information. My malpractice insurance is through the AAO. Had I retired completely from the field .... they would have covered the tail indefinitely for 0$. I argued the point that whether I retired completely or started a 2nd job with corporate provided insurance ..... their liability on PAST patients would have been the same regardless. ZERO. They wouldn't budge.

My only other option is to see if the Corporate office would pay my existing malpractice premium with the AAO. Seems doubtful.

Any thoughts?

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[Munks]

Tail coverage is one of the 'swept under the rug' parts of liability insurance. As you've experienced, there are always some, I'll call them loopholes, that are written into the contract that always work to minimize cost to the insurer. Unless you're going into a region of high need, or the corp really wants you, I highly doubt they would cover your existing tail coverage premium, but hey it's completely worth asking - or say to have them include the comparable $ as a sign on bonus or something. But I know you're already at the corp right?

And yeah, I also found out the hard way about the statute timer with adults vs minors when I worked in a pediatric office. Even though you hear the terms thrown about before, it's not until the bill hits that it clicks. Can't really say in your situation what's worth what; how sue-happy your patients/parents appeared, risk of relapse or issues down the road with your style of treatment, etc.. but for me, and for peace of mind, I sucked it up and paid it.

 

[2TH MVR]

Tail coverage is one of the 'swept under the rug' parts of liability insurance. As you've experienced, there are always some, I'll call them loopholes, that are written into the contract that always work to minimize cost to the insurer. Unless you're going into a region of high need, or the corp really wants you, I highly doubt they would cover your existing tail coverage premium, but hey it's completely worth asking - or say to have them include the comparable $ as a sign on bonus or something. But I know you're already at the corp right?

And yeah, I also found out the hard way about the statute timer with adults vs minors when I worked in a pediatric office. Even though you hear the terms thrown about before, it's not until the bill hits that it clicks. Can't really say in your situation what's worth what; how sue-happy your patients/parents appeared, risk of relapse or issues down the road with your style of treatment, etc.. but for me, and for peace of mind, I sucked it up and paid it.

Yep. You're right. Peace of mind. Not really that expensive anyway.

 

[2TH MVR]

kind of off topic, but how's your back/neck doing as an orthodontist? I ask because I've seen several ortho residents and newly grad orthodontists bending over their back and neck like they are about to kiss the patients. Do you also use loupes?

My back and neck are fine. I have a weight room at my home where I maintain strength and flexibility. I'm in pretty good shape for a 55 yr old.
No loupes. Don't need them for ortho.