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

Warren L. Rhodes, CIC
Vice President-Underwriting
Mr. Rhodes was elected Vice President-Underwriting of PPM in October 2022. His responsibilities include the day-to-day direction of all underwriting, policyholder service, and office service activities. Mr. Rhodes joined Preferred Physicians Medical in July of 2022. Prior to joining PPM, Mr. Rhodes spent the last 26 years holding various underwriting and business development leadership positions with both regional and national insurance carriers in the commercial insurance industry. Mr. Rhodes is a graduate of Pittsburg State University Kelce College of Business.

Gena Knust -- CPCU, RPLU, ARe – 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 – Senior Associate Underwriter

Ms. Nachbar is a Senior Associate Underwriter who works directly with PPM insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders on daily account management in the Southwestern, Southeastern and parts of the Midwestern regions of the United States. Ms. Nachbar joined PPM in 2001 and has been in the insurance industry for over 38 years.

Beth Gray – Senior Associate Underwriter

Ms. Gray is a Senior Associate Underwriter who works directly with PPM insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders on daily account management in the Northeastern and upper part of the Southeastern regions of the United States. Ms. Gray joined PPM in 2021. Prior to joining PPM, Ms. Gray worked with various insurance companies in billing and has medical insurance industry experience of over 20 years.

Rachael Wiederholt – Associate Underwriter

Ms. Wiederholt is an Associate Underwriter who works directly with PPM insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders on daily account management in parts of the Western, Midwestern, and Northwestern regions of the United States. Ms. Weiderholt joined PPM in 2024, bringing over 25 years of experience in customer service across various industries. Her extensive background enables her to provide exceptional support and account management to clients, ensuring their needs are met with the highest level of service.

Esther Cobb – Supervisor of Underwriting Support and Office Services

Ms. Cobb is (serves as) the Supervisor of Underwriting Support and Office Services working directly with and manages the Associate Underwriters, overseeing daily account management for PPM-insured anesthesia groups and individual policyholders nationwide. Additionally, she leads the Office Services administration team, which provides support to all departments within PPM. Ms. Cobb joined PPM in 2021, bringing with her more than 25 years of expertise (experience) in customer service, administration, and management across diverse industries. Her comprehensive background enables her to deliver outstanding client support and effective account management, while supporting the Associate Underwriters in maintaining PPM’s commitment to serving our clients with the highest level of service.