Underwriting

Selective underwriting is key to the success of Preferred Physicians Medical (PPM). By insuring only high quality anesthesia practices, PPM reduces its exposure to malpractice losses and is able to offer policyholders affordable malpractice premiums. PPM policyholders are required to adhere to practice standards adopted by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

The PPM professional underwriting staff averages over 30 years of casualty underwriting experience. In addition to a positive peer review recommendation, PPM's underwriters must also be satisfied with an applicant's qualifications as measured by education, claim history, adherence to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) practice standards and supervision plans for residents and CRNAs. In addition, underwriters examine practice facilities and additional information is required for pain management practices, office-based anesthesia and ambulatory surgical centers. Efforts are made to identify frequent areas of concern and developments in the practice of anesthesia.

PPM's Underwriting and Policyholder Service Department

John Morhiser -- Vice President-Underwriting

Mr. Morhiser was elected Vice President-Underwriting of PPM in June 2018. His responsibilities include the day-to-day direction of all underwriting and policyholder service activities. Mr. Morhiser joined Preferred Physicians Medical in 1992 and was named Underwriting Supervisor in 1996. Prior to joining PPM, Mr. Morhiser worked with countrywide commercial insurance programs for two large international insurance groups. Mr. Morhiser is a graduate of the University of Missouri College of Business with a degree in Economics.

Patsy Kremer -- Underwriting Manager

Ms. Kremer is the Senior Underwriter who works directly with PPM insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders located in Midwestern and the Western United States. Ms. Kremer graduated from Penn Valley Community College with a degree in Liberal Arts. She has taken several insurance classes earning her the designation of CPIW, Certified Professional Insurance Woman. Ms. Kremer has served in several positions within the company since joining PPM in 1987, including Administrative Assistant, Policyholder Services Supervisor, Underwriter and Senior Underwriter.

Gena Knust -- Senior Underwriter

Ms. Knust is a Senior Underwriter who works directly with PPM insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders located in Midwestern and the Eastern United States. Ms. Knust graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Economics. She has completed her Charter Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) as well as her Associate in Reinsurance (ARe) designations. Ms. Knust has worked in the insurance industry for 23 years and joined PPM in 2019.

Susan Nachbar -- Policyholder Services Representative

Ms. Nachbar joined PPM in 2001. Ms. Nachbar provides customer service for the western portion of the United States. She is responsible for providing certificates, credentialing, billing and other service items. Ms. Nachbar has been in the insurance industry for 38 years.