- Anaesthetists
- Pathologists
- Physicians
- Psychiatrists
- Surgeons
- Radiologists
- Ophthalmologists
- Orthopaedics
As a longstanding part of the profession, we remain true to our 'doctors for doctors' ethos – owned and governed by doctors, caring for the wellbeing and interests of doctors.
For over 95 years, orthopaedics have trusted MDA National to support them through any issue they face in their career. We remain committed to providing the expert advice and personalised service you need, when you need it, so you can keep on practising with confidence and providing outstanding patient care.
Individualised advice and personalised support
- Medico-legal helpline, 24 hours in emergencies – speak to a person not a machine
- In-house medico-legal experts who handle every concern
- One case manager until your matter is resolved
- Expert medico-legal claims and advisory team
- Matching you with the best legal team suited to your specific case
- Support in practice and tailored risk management services
Comprehensive cover and protection
Your extensive MDA National Professional Indemnity covers you for civil claims, employment disputes, representation at a coronial inquiry and a wide range of medico-legal matters.
The following table is a brief summary of covers and limits. The summary wording should not be relied on as a full description of cover. Please refer to the Policy Wording† for full details of terms and conditions:
| Aggregate Limit of Cover for all Claims* | |
|
$20 million |
| We will... | Aggregate Sub-limits* |
|
$2 million |
|
$100,000 but for claims by you for unpaid remuneration we will not pay more than the amount reasonably sought by you |
|
$100,000 (with Excess of $20,000) |
|
$100,000 |
|
$250,000 |
|
$100,000 for Medical Practitioner |
|
$20,000 (with a maximum of $2,000 per day for up to 10 days) |
|
$100,000 |
*Provided that the Maximum Limit of Indemnity is not exceeded.
†A copy of the Policy Wording is available at mdanational.com.au/Downloads.
For more information please read our Professional Indemnity Insurance Policy Combined Financial Services Guide (FSG), Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and Policy Wording and Supplementary FSG and PDS including Amendments to the Policy Wording from our Download Center.
Unparalleled Member care
- Doctors for Doctors program - talk freely with a peer who understands your situation and the impact of a medico-legal matter, to independent psychiatrist referrals in exceptional circumstances.
- Doctor-led and doctor-informed service delivery
- Focused on the best professional and personal outcome for the doctor
- Local presence, national support - Benefit from having the strength, backing and resources of a national brand behind you, as well as the local knowledge and presence of state offices.
By doctors for doctors
- Supporting 54,000+ Members and insureds – we’re invested in you, not shareholders
- Owned and governed by doctors, caring for the wellbeing and interests of doctors
- A longstanding part of the profession, supporting doctors for more than 95 years
- Nine out of our 10 Mutual Board directors are doctors
- Specialists in health care, law and medical indemnity, backed by a dedicated team of risk advisers and external lawyers
By your side when you need us most
We recognise that medico-legal matters can be demanding and stressful, both personally and professionally. That's why our highly qualified and experienced in-house legal team works in close partnership with you to resolve your particular matter as expediently as possible.
Where appropriate, our claims team will partner with external senior lawyers or engage directly with senior counsel, so you will have the most appropriate expertise matched to you specific needs, to ensure the best possible outcome.
Reasons why Members called us for advice
|
34%Advice/Ethical Dilemma |
10%Medical Records |
08%Ending Doctor-Patient Relationship |
|
07%Practice Management |
07%Medico-legal Report |
06%Employment Issues |
Watch our latest webinar on medico-legal insights for Ophthalmologists
Keep on practising with confidence
Many of you faced a difficult and unexpected side effect of COVID-19 - a restriction on elective surgery. In addition to managing surgical cancellations and a drop in income, many of you had to temporarily reduce overheads, which in some cases included standing down longstanding practice staff. It really was a year like no other.
Looking back at challenges faced by ophthalmologists in 2020 (and into 2011), the perennial issue of informed consent appears to be a common catalyst for claims and complaints against ophthalmologists.
Surgical errors, such as placing the wrong lens, may be a symptom of the backlog of patients awaiting cataract procedures following the pause in elective surgery earlier in the year. PPE, social distancing, and COVID precautions posed a specific challenge for ophthalmologists who are often required to get up close and personal with their patients. The response from the ophthalmology profession during this time is a credit to the practitioners and practice staff who maintained a high level of care under extraordinary circumstances.
So, what advice can MDA National offer ophthalmologists for 2021 and beyond? Managing patient expectations is one way to reduce the risk of a complaint or claim. Take into consideration the hearing deficits of your elderly patients, and the health literacy of their partner or carer when you are explaining the procedure. Be clear about any limitations to achieving the desired visual outcome. Show professional courtesy when receiving or giving a second opinion, and most importantly keep good notes.
If you want to be sure that your career and reputation is in safe hands, then contact MDA National and request a quote today.
Resources
MDA National provides timely education to help our Members minimise their medico-legal risk and continually improve their communication and non-clinical skills.
We’ve put together a handful of our resources particularly relevant to ophthalmologists below. You will also find a series of Podcasts on Apple Music and Spotify.
Articles and case studies
- 12 commandments to mitigate Ahpra notifications
- Winding up your medical practice
- Ransomware - a real and credible threat
- Shared decision-making and five-question model
- Corridor consultations with colleagues - an ethical dilemma
Videos / webinar recordings
- Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording
-
Privacy Q&A: practical, proactive advice & answers to your information security questions – webinar excerpt
-
Privacy & Info Security in Private Medical Practice – webinar excerpt
-
Avoiding Medical Marketing Mistakes – webinar excerpt
e-Learning activities
Other resources
- Head over to the MDA National library to see our full suite of articles, blog posts, webinars and podcasts.
|
Resources |
MDA National provides timely education to help our Members minimise their medico-legal risk and continually improve their communication and non-clinical skills.
We’ve put together a handful of our resources particularly relevant to ophthalmologists below. You will also find a series of Podcasts on Apple Music and Spotify.
Articles and case studies
- 12 commandments to mitigate Ahpra notifications
- Winding up your medical practice
- Ransomware - a real and credible threat
- Shared decision-making and five-question model
- Corridor consultations with colleagues - an ethical dilemma
Videos / webinar recordings
- Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording
-
Privacy Q&A: practical, proactive advice & answers to your information security questions – webinar excerpt
-
Privacy & Info Security in Private Medical Practice – webinar excerpt
-
Avoiding Medical Marketing Mistakes – webinar excerpt
e-Learning activities
Other resources
- Head over to the MDA National library to see our full suite of articles, blog posts, webinars and podcasts.
Have you downloaded the MDA National mobile app yet?
Downloading the app is easy. Go to the App Store or Google Play and search for MDA National. Log into the app using your email address or Member Number and the password you use to access your MDA National Online Services account.
Please also see FAQ for your reference here
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MDA National has helped over 42,000 Members with medico-legal advice in the last 5 years. |
Remember to subscribe to our medico-legal blog at the bottom of this page so you can stay up to date with short sharp blog posts relevant to the medical profession.
