MEDICUS MARCH 2016

F E A T U R E

MORE THAN JUST BACK-UP Medical indemnity insurance can do so much more than just insure you if and when things go wrong

MEDICAL DEFENCE ORGANISATIONS were originally set up by doctors over 100 years ago to deal with the legal and ethical aspects of medical practice, such as claims of negligence made against doctors by patients. They were established as friendly societies and mutual funds that were owned by their members and provided indemnity to doctors on a discretionary basis. Much has changed over the past century with MDOs growing to become large organisations, enjoying a high degree of expertise in medical and legal issues, and providing a diverse range of services to their members. Often the importance of medical indemnity on a doctor’s career is overlooked by clinicians, younger doctors in

particular, who appropriately, are more concerned with their patients and career progress than their insurance provider. However, medical indemnity insurance can do so much more than just insure you if and when things go wrong. MDOs play a crucial role in policy making when it comes to clinical practice. Many doctors – both young and the more experienced – would be surprised to learn how critical the medical insurance industry is in the regulation and advocacy of clinical practice. Over the next few pages, you will read about the issues that matter to some of Australia’s leading MDOs – everything from the overall value of an MDO to the particular risks and obligations associated with telehealth and more. ■

NOW OPEN

Perth Cardio has now opened doors in the heart of Midland’s new medical precinct. With cardiology services conveniently available on site every day, accessing world-class cardiology care, consultation and testing in the City of Swan just got a whole lot easier for your patients. For more details visit perthcardio.com.au

LEADERS IN CARDIOLOGY | ECHO | ECG | HOLTER MONITORING | STRESS ECHO | EXERCISE STRESS TESTING