Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Neurologists’ Program?

The Neurologists’ Program (TNP) is a medical malpractice insurance program unlike any other as it has been designed specifically to meet the needs of neurologists. From the policy itself to the risk management advice and guidance we provide, TNP has one focus - neurology.

Professional Risk Management Services, Inc. (PRMS) is the manager of TNP. PRMS specializes in medical professional liability insurance programs and claims and risk management services for individual healthcare providers, group practices, facilities, associations, and organizations. Our long-standing working relationships with our clients speak to the quality of services that we provide and attest to the skill and responsiveness of our staff and our focus on client satisfaction. For more information about PRMS, please visit www.prms.com.

Where is TNP currently available?

Coverage is available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and West Virginia. If you practice in one of these states and would like to apply, please visit our Apply Today page.

Is TNP available now? When will TNP be available in my state?

As a newly formed program, the policy forms and rates require prior approval by the state insurance departments. TNP is expected to be available in additional states in 2009. Ultimately, TNP will be available nationwide. To receive notification when TNP is available in your state, please complete the online request form.

What features and benefits are available?

 The following features and benefits are available through TNP. Please note that some features may vary by state.

• Claims-made or occurrence policy with limits up to $2 million/$6 million
• Nationwide panel of experienced defense attorneys with demonstrated expertise in defending medical malpractice actions
• Administrative and Governmental Billing Defense Costs Endorsement
• Tail premium for a claims-made policy is available at no additional cost:
• for retirement (at age 55 or older) after five years continuous claims-made coverage with TNP (subject to underwriting)
• for permanent disability at any age or death
• Policies issued require the insured's consent to settle - no "hammer clause"
• Vicarious liability and supervision of other professionals
• Professional premises liability
• Defense costs as a supplement to policy limits
• Professional services as a medical director
• Publication of articles or books and broadcasting or telecasting activities directly relating to neurologic practice (when less than 20% of income is derived from such activities)
• Formal clinical teaching activities
• Peer review, utilization review and participation on medical or medicine review committees

What discounts are available?  

The following discounts are available to TNP insureds. Discounts may vary by policy type and by state.

• AAN membership discount - 5% *
• Loss free credit - up to 10% **
• Risk management - up to 15%
• Part-time practitioners - up to 50%
• Moonlighting residents - 50%
• First-year in practice - up to 60%
• Second-year in practice - 25%
• Third-year in practice - 25%
• Group practice discounts available - contact us for details.

Please note that discounts may vary by policy type and by state. Discounts are also subject to underwriting approval.

Will coverage for group practices be available?

Yes. Coverage for group practices will be available. In addition to the neurology medical staff, other healthcare professionals that can be covered under the group policy include:

Under a group policy:

• All practitioners can be covered under one policy along with the group practice itself.
• Your paperwork is reduced. There is no need to track numerous renewal dates and premium payments.
• You can eliminate the time and inconvenience of working with multiple carriers.
• You can receive up to a 5% discount on the group premium.

What risk management services are available for TNP insureds?

TNP insureds have access to risk management resources and services designed specifically for the practice of neurology. Our risk management department is staffed by experienced professionals with both legal and clinical backgrounds. This powerful combination provides neurologists with assistance from individuals who have a thorough understanding of the clinical situation and the legal issues and implications.

Risk management services include:

• Risk Management Consultation Service - The cornerstone of TNP risk management is the Risk Management Consultation Service (RMCS). This toll-free helpline is available to all TNP insureds and provides direct access to risk managers who provide advice tailored to the insured's specific needs. We encourage TNP insureds to contact us whenever they have concerns or questions about any issue that presents a potential liability risk.
• Risk Management Articles and Resource Lists - TNP risk managers have developed articles and resources to assist neurologists in recognizing and managing the risks they routinely encounter in their professional practices. You may request a complimentary copy of one of the risk management articles by completing our risk management article request form.
• E-alerts and Advisories - Our risk managers review and compile information from a wide variety of sources, including government agencies such as HHS , FDA as well as JCAHO and other professional organizations. This information is shared with TNP insureds online on the Risk Management Alerts and Advisories page.
• Multimedia Online Tutorials – Neurologists can learn more about risk management and insurance quickly and conveniently. The TNP Online Education Center allows insureds to view educational material in their home or office. The tutorials cover risk management and insurance information relevant to neurology practice.

What is the experience of the claims department?

Our claims department has a proven track record of providing exceptional claims and litigation management. This superior service begins with our staff - a unique group of professionals with decades of combined experience in the fields of medicine, law and insurance. Both the medical expertise and legal expertise necessary to evaluate medical malpractice claims require a highly skilled and specialized claims examiner.

If a claim does arise, our staff works with TNP insureds during every stage of the claims and litigation process - from notification to resolution. We have also assembled a nationwide network of experienced medical malpractice defense attorneys who work with our in-house professional to provide timely, effective, and locally-based legal advice and representation. You can be confident that TNP provides top-notch legal representation. You can be assured that we understand what it is like to face a medical malpractice lawsuit and we are prepared to put forth the best defense.

Who offers coverage for TNP?

Coverage is issued by National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. ("National Union") and Lexington Insurance Company.

National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, Pa. ("National Union") and Lexington Insurance Company are member companies of Chartis. Chartis is a world leading property-casualty and general insurance organization serving more than 40 million clients in over 160 countries and jurisdictions. With a 90-year history, one of the industry's most extensive ranges of products and services, deep claims expertise and excellent financial strength, Chartis enables its commercial and personal insurance clients alike to manage virtually any risk with confidence.

Can you tell me more about Professional Risk Management Services, Inc., the company that manages TNP?

Professional Risk Management Services, Inc. has over 20 years of experience developing and managing professional liability insurance programs for healthcare providers and organizations. It is this experience—and the close relationships built over the years—that has given PRMS the expertise and understanding to become a leader in the field. The company's first managed program, The Psychiatrists' Program, is in its 25th year of providing professional liability coverage and services tailored specifically to psychiatrists. PRMS has applied this same focused approach to The Neurologists' Program: creating a program that serves exclusively neurologists, with the coverage, continuing medical education, risk management materials, and knowledgeable customer service that neurologists need. The American Academy of Neurology has acknowledged TNP with its endorsement. PRMS is proud of its service to healthcare providers, especially in its management of targeted liability insurance programs to healthcare providers.

* Due to state regulations, this discount is not available in Oregon.

** May vary by state

c/o Professional Risk Management Services, Inc.
1515 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 800
Arlington , VA 22209
Phone: (800) 245-3333