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The following are some of the most frequently asked questions received by SCPIE Client Services Representatives—along with their answers.
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| Q |
What is the difference between tail coverage and nose coverage?
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| A |
Tail coverage, which is purchased at the time a claims-made policy terminates, offers coverage for incidents that occurred while the policy was still active, but which were not actually reported until after the policy terminated. Nose coverage covers claims first made against the physician after the effective date of coverage on the SCPIE policy. To be covered, such claims must arise out of the physician's acts or omissions prior to the SCPIE policy's effective date and after its retroactive date. (Both dates are shown on the declarations page of the policy.) A final note: Nose coverage is also known as retroactive coverage or prior acts coverage.
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| Q |
What are SCPIE's guidelines for providing nose coverage to physicians?
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| A |
Four conditions must be met for SCPIE to consider providing nose coverage. First, there will be no gap in a physician's coverage if SCPIE does provide it. Second, SCPIE receives a current certificate of insurance or a declarations insert from the most recent claims-made insurance carrier. Third, the physician states in writing that he or she is unaware of any pending incidents or claims. Fourth, the physician must provide a currently valued, carrier-generated loss run that includes both indemnity and expenses paid.
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| Q |
Can I obtain nose coverage if I already have a gap in my coverage?
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| A |
Currently, SCPIE does not offer nose coverage to physicians whose coverage has been interrupted—i.e., there exists a period during which the physician had no insurance coverage.
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Will SCPIE provide nose coverage to physicians who were insured by a group that failed to purchase tail coverage?
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That depends on how the physicians were covered by their previous group. For more information, contact a SCPIE representative (800/962-5549).
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| Q |
Does SCPIE offer workers' compensation insurance coverage?
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No.
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| Q |
Does SCPIE cover physicians who are not members of a medical society?
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Yes.
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| Q |
How soon can my application for coverage be approved by SCPIE's Underwriting Department?
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| A |
Usually an application can be reviewed in two weeks; however, it depends on how complete the application is, whether the physician has a claims history, and if there's need for a background check by SCPIE.
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| Q |
How does SCPIE rate its policyholders?
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| A |
SCPIE rates physician members by medical specialty, geographical territory, retroactive date (if applicable), limits of liability, and the frequency and severity of claims (if any).
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| Q |
Is there an additional charge to cover salaried employees—healthcare professionals, front office staff, etc.?
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| A |
There is no additional charge for members of a physician's front office staff or for certain healthcare professionals (HCPs). To obtain coverage for HCPs, you must first apply to SCPIE in writing. Approval of such coverage is subject to SCPIE underwriting review. An additional premium is charged for physician assistants and registered nurse practitioners and may be charged for other HCPs as well.
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| Q |
What billing cycles are available?
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Although most of SCPIE's solo physicians and small groups are on a quarterly billing cycle, the option to pay on a semiannual or annual basis is available as well. Members of midsize groups (five to eight physician members) may pay on a monthly billing cycle if all members are group-billed.
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| Q |
What payment options are availables?
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Insureds may pay by check or credit card. Those paying by check may mail in their premium payments or use our automatic debit program, Express Pay Check. Through Express Pay Check, SCPIE and AHI solo physicians and small groups no longer have to worry about writing checks and mailing them in. They can have their premium deducted automatically from their business checking account each quarter. Open enrollment is year-round.
Insureds who would like to pay their premium using their corporate or personal MasterCard or VISA may sign up for our Express Pay Card program. Annual payments are only accepted at this time. Open enrollment occurs November 24 through January 20.
Both the Express Pay Check and Express Pay Card programs are free.
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| Q |
Should I include my premium payment when I mail in my application?
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Premium payments should never be mailed with an application for coverage. Premiums should be mailed only after the physician has received a letter of approval from SCPIE's Underwriting Department; a premium invoice will be enclosed with the letter.
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| Q |
If I become unemployed, will SCPIE suspend—rather than cancel—my coverage?
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Unfortunately, SCPIE cannot temporarily suspend coverage. If SCPIE does not receive a premium, the policy will be canceled for nonpayment.
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Will the details of my policy be held in confidence?
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Absolutely. SCPIE does not provide policy information to third parties. Policy details are discussed only with designated personnel in the physician's office or with the insured physician or others authorized by the physician.
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