Policyholder Services

Practicing in Multiple States or Territories

Licensure: Most states require out-of-state physicians to maintain full and unrestricted licensure for any professional services rendered within their boundaries. Ideally, physicians should also maintain hospital privileges at each practice location. If privileges are not maintained in a satellite location due to service limitations or other reasons, arrangements with a local physician for patient admissions is crucial.

Patient Care: Whether a physician rotates between locations or stays for extended periods, patient care protocols are vital. To prevent claims alleging patient abandonment or delayed diagnosis or treatment, physicians must establish protocols for patient care during their absence. Clear communication of the physician’s schedule and contact information for interim care providers is essential.  Additionally, staff should be trained to handle emergency or urgent calls from patients in one state when the physician is in another state. Having another physician available to patients is also advisable.

Special Considerations for Surgical Patients: Ideally, the surgeon will personally obtain the patient’s informed consent and handle both the preoperative and postoperative care. If you intend to share care of surgical patients with optometrists, please review OMIC’s Risk Management Recommendations for Comanagement of Surgical Patients. For any questions or assistance, please contact our Risk Management department at (800) 562-6642, option 4.

Rating Territory: Your primary practice location determines your rating territory (where you practice the most). If there are changes in your practice territories, please notify your underwriter at (800) 562-6642, option 1.