MALPRACTICE INSURANCE FOR NATUROPATHIC DOCTORS

  

NDNR in collaboration with the J.A. KNAPP Agency is proud to Introduce:

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  • Quick Quote Process
  • Reliable Cover
  • Fair, Competitive Rates
  • Custom-Tailored Insurance for Naturopathic Doctors


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We focus on protecting your business so you can focus on serving your patients 

N.D.s, there's something we need to talk about.

Did you know that a majority of naturopathic physicians are chronically under-protected or have NO PROTECTION at all in their practice. You may not think it will happen to you, so you play the game and hope you won't lose, but in doing so you risk everything you have built… 

  • Years of schooling 
  • An incredible amount of student loan debt 
  • Your reputation 
  • Your credibility 
  • Your ability to provide for your family 
  • And most importantly, the ability to serve the patients that need your medicine the most  

This is why NDNR supports the efforts of the J.A. KNAPP Agency to bring a preferred program custom tailored to your medicine and business needs. We know that when you went to school to become a physician, your goal was to help people heal. You didn't know you were going to be a small business owner; a role that would require you to run PR, manage staff, balance expenses, calculate taxes, advocacy… all while serving the needs of others.  

We serve you by taking time to understand your needs, your operations, your goals and your practice in a holistic approach.  

A simple application,  

A simple conversation,  

We make finding coverage easy.  

For most physicians, you have only had a single option in coverage, but with ND Shield, your options are clear, consistent and convenient.  

What is ND SHIELD? 

ND SHIELD is custom tailored insurance to protect your practice, assets and livelihood. 

The Power of this Protection 

As physicians, especially in naturopathic medicine, you are not only healers, you are also entrepreneurs, business women and men. You are leaders, movement starters and mold breakers! The burden can feel overwhelming, but the medicine you provide can ignite healing in our patients and community.  

But what happens if something happens? What if something goes wrong? What if you could lose it all?  

WE ARE READY TO CHANGE THAT 

Easy application 

Fast binding process

Competitive, fair rates 

Consistent coverage and rates

Collaborative underwriting that understands your unique needs

Tailored coverage to meet your needs 

Risk mitigation education to keep you out of trouble

Actionable practice building tips and strategies


Total practice protection, to give you peace of mind

Understanding Your Exposures  

Common lawsuits brought against the profession and what it will cost you: 

Suit: MisInformation or MisCommunication - Errors & Omissions  

Misinformation is usually involving a claim that was general in nature and not usually addressed to any particular case or individual. Things like blogging, advertisements, online video or public information taken out of context.  

Miscommunication usually deals with the disparity in proper client communication and the advice being too vague or incomplete, in turn it causes unforeseen or unexpected damage generally to a client’s health or quality of life.

Average Settlement/paid Amount: $75,000 USD  

Suit: Medical Negligence 

Improper skill or application of services that can cause injury or induce greater damage.  

Average Settlement/Paid Amount: $75,000 - $1,000,000 USD

 

Suit: Wrongful Death  

Services, advice or treatment that can be attributed and connected to the death of a client which could have been prevented or avoided otherwise.

Average Settlement/Paid Amount: Policy Limit Exceeding $1,000,000 USD Additional legal counsel and defense costs as well as potential PR fallout and reputational harm. 

Suit: Sexual Misconduct Allegations 

Allegations of inappropriate touching, unwarranted advancement, crude commentary or harassment as well as physical force or abuse.  

Average Settlement/Paid Amount: $200,000 - $1,000,000 USD



Suit: Data Compromise / HIPAA Violations

This includes but not limited to hipaa violations, cyber and data compromise issues, care custody and control compliance violations 

Average Settlement/Paid Amount HealthCare - $1.3 Million USD Payments for notification, monitoring, resolution and restitution as well as fine and penalties.  

Take the First Step to Protect Your Practice

CASE STUDY 1 - HIPAA VIOLATION

The laptop belonging to an employee of a medical research institute was stolen. The laptop, containing the electronic protected health information (ePHI) of approximately 296,000 patients and research participants, was not encrypted. The ePHI included names, dates of birth, addresses, social security numbers, diagnoses, and laboratory results. Given the nature of the information stored on the laptop and the fact that the laptop was not encrypted, the incident was determined to be a reportable breach under HIPAA. The institute reported the incident to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and the Office for Civil Rights (OCR). After a full investigation, the OCR concluded that the institute's security policy did not comply with the HIPAA Security Rule in that it was limited in scope, incomplete, and insufficient to address potential risks and vulnerabilities to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of ePHI held by the institute. The OCR imposed civil fines and penalties against the clinic. Counsel was ultimately successful in helping the insured achieve a settlement with the OCR which reduced the fines and penalties and included a corrective action plan. Cyber insurance covered the legal expenses incurred in responding to the OCR's investigation and the OCR settlement. Total Expenses Incurred: $1.6 Million USD

When you enroll, you will receive: 

Policy Package

Medical Malpractice Insurance with built in Errors & Omissions, custom tailored to specifically designated professional services

Enhanced options for General Liability, Sexual Abuse & Molestation Coverage, and Personal & Advertising Injury


Live Support 

Real humans helping you on your best & through your worst days  

Knowledgeable underwriting managers with a background in Medical Malpractice Proactive policy guidance and options built for how you practice  

Plus you will receive these powerful trainings: 

Along with your policy a team of business leaders can supply your clinic with important trainings and insight to help you: 

✔ Grow and build your practice

  • Finding your niche within your niche 
  • Attracting the patients you want  
  • Building your brand story  

✔ Mitigate risk and limit exposures 

  • Top reasons NDs get sued  
  • Building a resilient practice  
  • Proactively work together to prevent reactive casualty later  

✔ Understand industry trends and vulnerabilities

  • Legislative updates for the profession  
  • What patients are looking for in Naturopathic Medicine  
  • Leveraging your network of professional partners  

✔ Bedside manner and patient communication for improved compliance 

  • Strategies for improved patient compliance 
  • Uncovering the need through better conversation tactics  
  • Questions meant to build a better client profile and better client experience  

✔ HR to PR - How to manage your clinic’s backoffice 

  • Documentation in hiring and firing  
  • Current workplace trends, compliance and issues  
  • Building a team of advocates within your practice  
  • Fair wage and labor - The experience economy and Interns  
  • W9 vs W2 employees qualification  

✔ Collaborative proactive communication for consistent coverage renewal

  • Why being proactive in communicating practice and clinic change is a good thing  
  • Start early and talk often - the art of the review  
  • Your business is your legacy, asking the right questions to protect it

   

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Our Commitment to You

Our guarantee is to serve physician’s like you with fast, reliable service, fair pricing and consistent coverage. Our team of dedicated professionals will help to ensure your practice can thrive, helping you start, build, and leave a legacy you can be proud of.  

You can grow with confidence while we've got your back.

WHO IS ND SHIELD FOR?

This policy is designed for Naturopathic Doctors. Specifically: 

  • Naturopathic physicians without insurance and practice protection
  • Naturopathic doctors with inadeuqate coverage 
  • Naturopathic Doctors that are spending too much to protect their legacy



CASE STUDY 2 - Cyber Security

A clinic received notice from an IT Security company that the PHI of 88 patients was found on the "Dark Web", which is used for illegal activity by criminals. Shortly after, the Insured received an anonymous email from a hacker calling himself "The Dark Overlord" claiming to be in possession of all the clinic's information and records. Cyber insurance covered: IT Forensic Consultants – Determined that the PHI was likely accessed by a hacker gaining access to an employee username and password. Breach Coach Counsel – Determined there was a high probability that all records were in fact obtained by "The Dark Overlord", requiring notification to all 544,000 patients PR Firm – Assisted the clinic in developing a crisis management plan to mitigate reputational harm resulting from the incident. Notification Expenses and Credit Monitoring – 544,000 patients were notified and offered credit monitoring. Total Expenses Incurred: $1.05 Million USD

ABOUT NDNR

Starting in 2005, Naturopathic Doctor News and Review (NDNR) is the leading clinical information resource for naturopathic physicians in North America. It serves as a dynamic voice for the advancement of naturopathic medicine by informing and educating physicians in the recent developments of the practice of natural medicine. NDNR includes current protocols, practice management, business development, marketing, clinical research, news and more.  

On a monthly basis, NDNR covers the practice of naturopathic medicine and includes the products and services that natural medicine physicians use and prescribe. The content consists of articles written by practicing NDs for practicing NDs. Contributors also include the presidents of the accredited naturopathic universities, university department chairs, and leading doctors. Every issue theme covers pertinent case studies, clinical pearls and discussions on the usage of nutraceuticals, botanicals, IV and injection therapies, homeopathy and other naturopathic modalities.

ABOUT THE J.A. KNAPP AGENCY

Located in the Foothills of Tucson, Arizona the J. A. Knapp Agency was founded by its current principal agent John Adam Knapp in 1988. It has been a striving goal and company vision to share our knowledge with not just potential clients but everyone, and to leave you feeling safe, secure and knowledgeable. It is our goal to help you better understand our industry, strive to serve you professionally and courteously and hopefully spread our good name to your friends and family. 


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CASE STUDY 3 - Medical Negligence

The physician tried to access a patient’s medical records using a third-party healthcare information exchange. The physician was unable to retrieve the patients’ medical records due to the HIE being hit with a ransomware attack and being taken offline. Instead the physician manually completed a health questionnaire via telemedicine, and then prescribed antibiotics to the patient. It transpired that the patient had misinformed the physician that they were allergic to penicillin resulting in death.

Common Questions Concerning ND Shield

Why do I need insurance?

Peace of mind while you work to elevate the health of your clients. Protection and resource to help keep you moving forward and ensure you can handle any unforeseen bumps in the road. You want to protect your legacy, your reputation and your clients, by having insurance you can navigate incidents and provide restitution.  

Am I adequately covered?

Coverage is independent to each operation and as unique as your practice. You will want to discuss your needs, your worries and what is “typical” in your field with an agent that understands your industry.

What is the industry standard for coverage? 

Industry Standards begin with patient protection through professional liability like medical malpractice and practice limits are typically $1,000,000 per claim. 

What kind of coverage do I need?

Each practice is unique and can have varying needs, most begin with protection for services rendered through Errors & Omissions insurance with Medical Malpractice. General Liability, workers compensation, Employment practices Liability, property insurance, and cyber are commonplace coverage to consider today’s business owners.

How does insurance protect my business?

By allowing you to work on your business, insurance can protect your income, your property, your employees, clients and your reputation in the event an accident or incident occurs. By purchasing insurance and protecting yourself, you can navigate an unforeseen risk scenario with confidence and get back to where you were going in your practice.

How do I report a claim?

Generally step one is documentation and notification, you will want to reach out to your agent to discuss what, when, where and why something happened. They can help you decide the steps and processes to take. You can usually contact the carrier or risk management firm assigned to your policy coverage directly as well if needed.

What happens to my policy when I have a claim? 

Claims are expected to occur at some point in the lifecycle of business ownership, generally the policy will remain intact and consistent if handled properly. Depending on the claim scenario, severity and avoidability your policy can result in an increased rate but will likely return to normal after a short period with no additional claims or incidents.

How do I get a quote?

Starting with an agent that understands your industry is a great way to get a quote, answering a few short questions can help get a quote and begin a conversation on your needs.  

Usually a short application process through your business metrics and location will assist in getting a rate quote from your dedicated underwriter.  

How is this program different from other policies I may have had?

This program has been built in partnership with NDNR and the JA KNAPP Agency, with an understanding of the industry and needs of practitioners. The carrier and underwriter have been chosen based on their knowledge and comfort in offering competitive rates, tailored coverage and enhanced limits and definitions.

How do I renew my policy?

A simple process is involved in renewal, generally the agent will reach out to you in advance to determine if any changes in the business have taken place or are expected. A renewal is usually offered quickly and is consistent with the prior year limits if no major changes are made.

How do I pay my premium?

Premiums can be paid up front in a single form of payment, or broken up into an installment plan based on needs.

What is tail coverage?

Tail coverage is an extended reporting period that allows for claims to be made even after a policy term has ended. This is generally used for policies that are relinquished or if your business has been closed or acquired.

Is there a specific policy for physicians practicing telemedicine?

Yes, each operation is unique and carries its own merits, risks and rating. Telemedicine is a growing practice, offers consistent flexibility and are generally lower risk. 

Can multiple doctors practice under one policy? 

Yes, if wanted you may purchase insurance for single practitioners, partners, groups and entities that may have more than one doctor.

Does the insurance cover the care given by my staff? 

If coverage is chosen, it can cover the facility services including staff operations under the professional and general liability. Additional coverage considerations like workers compensation, employment practices liability and crime coverage can assist in covering staff as well.