News and Events

Former PICA President and CEO Jerry D. Brant, DPM has passed away peacefully in Springfield, Illinois after his fight with pancreatic cancer.

Dr. Brant attended Western Illinois University and earned his doctor of podiatric medicine degree from the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University in 1962. He was in private practice in Illinois from 1963 to 1997.

A founding member of PICA, Dr. Brant began serving on the board of directors at its inception in 1981. He assumed the presidency in 1997 on a full-time basis and remained in the role until his retirement in 2012. During his tenure, Dr. Brant led PICA to become the undisputed leader in the podiatric malpractice insurance market. In 2009, Dr. Brant and the board had the vision to foresee the changing healthcare environment and position PICA for future success by becoming part of the ProAssurance family of companies.

Dr. Brant was a noted leader in podiatry serving both the Illinois Podiatric Medicinal Association and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). He was APMA president from 1984-1985. Dr. Brant also served on the board of the Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at Rosalind Franklin University.

Dr. Brant was an avid duck hunter, loved having a loyal dog by his side and enjoyed reading. He is survived by his brother, Dr. Thomas Brant of Missouri, children and grandchildren.

We at PICA are profoundly saddened and concerned by the recent destruction in our southern states caused by Hurricanes.

PICA-insured podiatric physicians can contact us if your office has been affected by the recent hurricanes to let us know how we can best work with you regarding your medical professional liability insurance. If you have specific financial questions regarding your PICA policy, please contact us right away at (800) 251-5727. We want to help.

PICA recommends the following if your patients' medical records were destroyed or damaged:   If you utilize paper records, you can't replace the destroyed paper records. However, you can create a new record.

• Make a note in the patient's new file regarding what happened and the date the original records were destroyed or lost.
• Start the patient over as a "new patient" at the next visit (at no added cost to the patient or third party payor).
• Have the patient complete all forms that you would have a new patient complete such as the patient history form, consent to treat, current medication list, etc.
• Perform and document an initial history and physical exam and any other tests or other initial workup that is needed.
• If there are copies of prior lab work, X-rays, operative reports and other medical records that can be obtained from other healthcare providers, you can obtain copies and place in the new record. Be sure to identify each copy as a copy.

If you have further concerns regarding missing or damaged medical records, software, etc., please contact our risk management department at (800) 251-5727, ext. 2107. You may also e-mail your questions to picarm@picagroup.com.

For PICA-insured podiatric physicians providing podiatric care or contemplating aiding flood victims, please be assured that your medical professional liability insurance is in effect; you are covered to practice podiatric medicine throughout the state, including volunteer efforts.

Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner has declared state disaster areas in four northern counties—Cook, Kane, Lake, and McHenry. The Illinois Department of Insurance has issued a bulletin regarding cancellations, non-renewals, claims, and premium payments to safeguard insureds. PICA is monitoring its Illinois accounts and taking the actions required by the bulletin to ensure that our insureds are treated fairly.   

 Download the bulletin.

If you need an accommodation or extension due to the recent floods or have questions, please contact PICA at (800) 251-5727.

In addition, if you have a disaster-related dispute or issue, please call the Illinois Department of Insurance at (866) 445-5364, or file a complaint online.