It’s a new year and many chiropractors are evaluating what will enhance their respective practices, particularly as it relates to their bottom line. One of the most common questions I get is: “Do I need to be credentialed to bill insurance, and what are the best plans to join?” It’s a loaded question – but one every DC ponders. Whether you're already in-network or pondering whether to join, here's what you need to know.
MLMIC Malpractice Insurer Downgraded Again
On June 29, 2004, A.M. Best downgraded the ailing Medical Liability Mutual Insurance Company (MLMIC) from "B" (fair) to "B-" (poor). OHIC Insurance Company, another member of the MLMIC family, was given a "C++" (marginal) rating by A.M. Best on the same day.
Princeton Insurance Company, also a member of the MLMIC family, shares the same poor rating of "B-," having been downgraded by A.M. Best in 2002. Princeton has been able to avoid further downgrading by abandoning malpractice business in all but its home state of New Jersey.
What this means to the chiropractic profession is that the number of secure malpractice companies continues to decline. DCs are encouraged to carefully review a carrier's ratings and history when purchasing chiropractic malpractice insurance.