Policyholder Services

What are OMIC’s underwriting requirements for ROP?

OMIC has devoted considerable time and effort to improving patient safety and reducing the liability of ROP care. Although relatively infrequent, claims against ophthalmologists arising from the screening for or treatment of ROP can be costly.  There have been several published accounts of multi-million dollar awards and settlements, and OMIC’s average payout for ROP-related claims is significantly higher than the average settlement for any other ophthalmic activity.

To reduce the risk of ROP-related claims and improve OMIC’s ability to defend its insureds should one arise, the company has developed underwriting requirements and risk management recommendations for physicians who render ROP services to infants when they are less than 55 weeks post-menstrual age (gestational age plus postnatal age). These mandatory conditions of coverage and facultative risk management recommendations were developed from an in-depth analysis of ROP-related claims and are summarized in “ROP Conditions of Coverage.”  For a complete list of OMIC’s underwriting requirements applicable to ROP, please refer to the ROP Application.