PIAM AND CMIC LAUNCH FIRST EHR MALPRACTICE CREDIT IN MASSACHUSETTS

(Waltham, MA, January 25, 2007) — Physicians Insurance Agency of Massachusetts (PIAM) has launched the first malpractice premium credit available to Massachusetts physicians for the use of Electronic Health Records (EHRs). It is perhaps one of the first credits of its type in the U.S.

This new credit program offered by Connecticut Medical Insurance Company (CMIC) is part of a joint initiative with the Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative (MAeHC), the Massachusetts Medical Society (MMS) and PIAM. The new EHR credit will be available to physicians that are using either one of the MAeHC’s approved systems or an EHR system endorsed by the MMS. In order to be eligible for the program, the practice must meet underwriting and claims approval and be willing to participate in CMIC approved risk management programs. The EHR must also have been operational for at least one year. If these criteria are met the EHR credit is 5% and, when combined with claim-free and risk management credits, the practice may be eligible for a discount of up to 20%. PIAM is the exclusive broker for this program.

According to Jack King, President of PIAM, “This is a great opportunity for practices to take the leap to EHR and to save money on malpractice insurance. We also anticipate that the list of EHR systems eligible for the discount will continue to grow.”

“The EHR is becoming an integral part of a physician’s practice,” said Denise Funk, President of CMIC. “After meeting with Micky Tripathi, CEO of the Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative and studying MAeHC’s work, we are proud to have developed a comprehensive credit program that takes into account claims experience, practice management and the use of an EHR. A quality EHR and a well trained staff can increase the quality of patient care while addressing important risk management issues.”

“We're delighted to have the support of a professional liability insurance carrier that understands the risk management potential offered by the latest generation of EHR systems," said Micky Tripathi. “These systems are excellent tools that help to prevent many common medical errors and make health care delivery more effective. We are very pleased by the support and vision demonstrated by CMIC in this program.”

Practices interested in getting more information about this new EHR credit should call PIAM at (800) 522-7426.

CMIC is a Connecticut-based insurance carrier, which was originally established in cooperation with the Connecticut Medical Society. CMIC began underwriting medical professional liability insurance in 1984, and since entering Massachusetts in 2004 has been offering malpractice insurance to local physicians. The Massachusetts eHealth Collaborative was formed in 2004 as an initiative of the physician community to bring together the state's major health care stakeholders for the purpose of establishing an EHR system that would enhance the quality, efficiency and safety of care in Massachusetts. PIAM was established in 1993 by the Massachusetts Medical Society to address the special insurance and financial needs of doctors.