Board Member Profile
Proctor R. Anderson, M.D.
Prior to his election to ISMIE Mutual’s Board of Directors, Proctor R. Anderson, M.D., dedicated 20 years of service to ISMIE’s Physician Review Committee (PRC). An orthopaedic surgeon practicing in Chicago and a long-time ISMIE policyholder, Dr. Anderson is keenly interested in the business aspects of medicine and in the claims review
process. He is an active member of the Chicago Medical Society, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In addition to private practice, he is associate professor, Northwestern University Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, and holds hospital appointments at Northwestern Memorial and Children’s Memorial hospitals.
What is the most gratifying aspect of your involvement as a board member?
Recognizing and addressing the many issues that face the board is very rewarding. I enjoy tackling particular topics of concern to physicians through my participation on subcommittees
and task forces.
What issues are confronting Illinois physicians, and how is ISMIE helping doctors navigate these issues?
Controlling the escalation of jury awards and decreasing the risk of “excess verdicts” remain in the forefront of issues of concern to Illinois doctors. Through activism in Springfield, educating the public and policyholders on the issues, and designing and presenting innovative risk management programs, ISMIE is helping to quell the out-of-control legal system.
What sets ISMIE apart from other medical liability insurers as far as the claims review process is concerned?
Doctor-to-doctor interaction, hands down. Each claim is reviewed and its disposition is decided by PRC, a committee of peer physicians. These physicians make the decision to “defend or settle.” The insured then has the option to appear before this committee to discuss the decision
and to resolve any differences.
During your tenure on PRC, what significant changes have impacted medical liability
insurance claims?
Today, more physicians are requesting their cases be settled to avoid the risk of an “excess
verdict.” This reflects years of escalating claims frequency and award severity. Some doctors
consider a settle position because they want to avoid lengthy disruption to their medical practices and personal lives.
Surviving a lawsuit takes nerves of steel, devotion to examining the details of the case and a lot of emotional support. To help assure the best possible outcome in the event of a claim, the policyholder, ISMIE and the defense lawyer engage in extensive interviews and correspondence. Witness preparation is even provided, as necessary, prior to deposition and trial.
What can policyholders do to minimize the chance they will be sued for medical malpractice?
Using best communication practices when interacting with the patient and documenting all
conversations and messages – personal, phone calls and e-mails – in the chart, will go a long way toward reducing the chance of a lawsuit.
Who or what has most strongly influenced your work as a physician?
The deep professional relationships I have developed with my partners have greatly influenced my work. We are a 12-physician orthopaedic group centered at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago.
Also my dad, who just turned 90, and is a retired physician. As a small boy, I was allowed to tag along with him to the hospital and on house calls. These boyhood experiences prompted my decision to become a physician. My dad continues to advise me on medical matters.