Physicians Insurance Distributes $5 Million Dividend to Members

SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Physicians Insurance, a leading provider of medical professional liability insurance in the Northwest, announced the company will distribute a $5 million dividend to policyholders in September 2012. This is the fifth consecutive dividend released to policyholders totaling $25 million returned to members in the past five years, and more than $65 million in total. Unlike many public insurance companies, Physicians Insurance pays dividends to policyholders and not out-of-state shareholders, effectively keeping funds in the home communities of the members.

"The great work of our policyholders in risk management is a primary reason for this dividend," noted Physicians Insurance CEO Mary-Lou Misrahy. "Their efforts to improve the practice of medicine have positively impacted patient health and safety, lowering our claims frequency and losses." To aid in this effort, Physicians Insurance has launched innovative training and education programs in obstetrics covering shoulder dystocia and emergency C-sections, in anesthesia covering difficult airway management and patient communication, and in areas such as pain management, electronic medical records, and provider support after an adverse event.

Physicians Insurance members also receive premium credits through initiatives such as ACCOLADES™, a reward program for physicians with good loss experience. ACCOLADES™ provides premium reductions ranging from 5 percent to 20 percent for qualifying physician members, saving them additional money.

Physicians Insurance Board Chair Brian Wicks, M.D., commented, "The dividend essentially lowers the cost of premiums for the year, and is a good financial return on investment for policyholders. But it really is an outcome that represents our members are focused on providing great care and helping to get people well. That is the most important return on investment and one that is worth far more."

Safe, conservative investments and the dedication of our members make Physicians Insurance successful despite the turbulent economy. The current dividend is the result of sound fiscal and risk management practices, aggressive claims defense, and fair and reasonable costs. This distribution is one way the company rewards its members for their excellence in health care.

"Physicians Insurance is proud to distribute this dividend to policyholders in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. It's a testament to a lot of hard work," said Misrahy. "With more than $65 million going back to policyholders over the years, we are fulfilling our mission and continue to serve as an industry leader."

About Physicians Insurance
Physicians Insurance A Mutual Company provides medical professional liability insurance coverage to more than 6,700 members in Washington, Idaho, and Oregon, in addition to risk-management consulting, continuing medical education, and claims administration services. The company, founded in 1981, has grown to be the largest insurer of physicians in Washington State and is rated A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. [i] Physicians Insurance maintains corporate headquarters in Seattle, with regional offices in Spokane, Washington, and Portland, Oregon.

[i] A.M. Best's ratings are on a scale from A++ (superior) down to D (poor) with even lower ratings for companies under regulatory supervision or in liquidation.

SOURCE Physicians Insurance