Doctors of optometry have been asking important questions about how their Malpractice insurance coverage protects them in unique practice settings, such as telehealth services or medical mission trips.

Read on to see what ODs have been asking and to learn more about the protection a malpractice insurance policy from the AOA-Endorsed Insurance Program can offer you.

Does my Malpractice insurance policy cover my telehealth services? Do I have to be licensed in each state? 

With a Malpractice insurance policy from the AOA-Endorsed Insurance Program, scope of practice coverage is included to cover all optometric services within your state’s defined scope of practice. The policy is structured so that as your state evolves its scope of coverage, there is no waiting period to be covered under your policy.

To ensure you are protected for the telehealth services you provide, be sure to contact your State Board of Optometry to see if telemedicine is included within the scope of practice.

For malpractice coverage to apply when providing telehealth services to patients outside your state of practice, you must be licensed in the state where your patient resides.

In addition to being licensed in the patient’s state of residence, you should also check and follow the scope of practice in the state where the patient resides. You must also be familiar with a local specialist in your patient’s state in case a referral is needed.

Image of a female optometrist offering telehealth services in her office. She is wearing a white coat and clear rimmed glasses. She is seated at a wooden desk with a laptop and notes in front of her.

Is my Malpractice insurance policy portable? Will it cover me if I moonlight at another location?

Because your policy from the AOA-Endorsed Insurance Program is tied to you, not your employer, it is portable and will follow you wherever you practice.

If you practice across state lines, be sure you’re licensed in each state and follow each state’s corresponding scope of coverage.

Does my Malpractice insurance policy cover me if I go on a medical mission trip?

Depending on your mission trip’s location, your Malpractice policy may provide coverage for the services you provide. However, we recommend you confirm with your dedicated account manager before providing care on a medical mission.

Does my Malpractice insurance cover me if I own my practice?

Your Malpractice insurance policy from the AOA-Endorsed Insurance Program provides coverage for practicing optometrists whether you own your practice or work part-time. However, if you are part of a group practice, or are considering growing your current practice, consider consolidating your group’s malpractice coverage into one AOA-endorsed policy.

Not only do you get consistent coverage for yourself, your practice and your partners, you may receive more competitive premiums for your entire group.

Malpractice Insurance Support from Lockton Affinity

Whether you provide telehealth services, work in multiple locations, or own your own practice, a Malpractice insurance policy from the AOA-Endorsed Insurance Program is available to help protect you.

Contact Lockton Affinity today at (888) 343-1998 to learn more about this coverage, or answer just six questions to get a quick malpractice insurance quote.