A Trusted Partner for 36 Years: Dr. Bass Reflects on MICA’s Support When it Mattered Most
When Dr. John Bass completed his plastic surgery training in 1989, he knew he wanted to set up his practice in Arizona. He had to clear several hurdles at once to bring his vision to life: obtaining hospital privileges, securing an office, and getting malpractice coverage.
For him, the last step was simple.
“MICA was the obvious choice for medical malpractice insurance in Arizona. Everybody used them,” he recalls. “I called them that spring, and in no time, my coverage was active and ready to go.”
The ease of the initial experience set the tone for the next 36 years. MICA remained by Dr. Bass’s side for the entirety of his career, providing expert guidance and support that empowered him to focus on patient care.
Guidance through uncertainty
Even the possibility of a claim can be unsettling for a physician. Dr. Bass remembers the first time he received notice that an issue might arise.
“The first time you read a notice of a potential claim, it feels intense,” he says. “You wonder what it means for your practice, your reputation.”
MICA immediately stepped in to guide him through the process. From the first call, he was connected with a dedicated claims representative who explained exactly what to do, what to copy, what to send, and what to leave as-is.
“They taught us the basics of risk management before a claim ever arose: don’t go back and change the chart, don’t try to fix anything, just call us. They review everything, explain what’s next, and walk you through it.”
Over the years, Dr. Bass really appreciated how proactive MICA’s support was. Through risk management education such as newsletters, seminars, and even “lunch and learn” programs, MICA regularly provided practical reminders about documentation, communication, and best practices.
“That repetition mattered,” he says. “They reinforced the basics so often that it became second nature. When something did come up, I already knew how to respond.”
This blend of proactive education and step-by-step guidance gave Dr. Bass peace of mind and allowed him to stay focused on caring for patients, knowing a knowledgeable partner was ready to step in when needed.
Physician-controlled defense with MICA
Another advantage that stood out to Dr. Bass was MICA’s commitment to giving physicians control over their own defense.
“If I wanted to settle, they worked with me. If I wanted to take it all the way to trial, that was my decision. Other insurers often just settle to minimize their risk, but MICA lets the doctor decide.”
That choice was never made in isolation. MICA’s team provided clear, data-driven recommendations based on their experience with similar claims.
“They would say, here’s what you can expect if this goes to trial. Here’s how long it could take. Or they would suggest that a certain settlement was a smart choice because they had seen similar cases go much higher. That kind of insight was invaluable.”
Over the course of his career, he saw how MICA’s model, one rooted in physician leadership and mutual trust, allowed him to approach claims with clarity instead of fear.
Peace of mind in retirement
As Dr. Bass prepared to retire, he saw another way MICA set itself apart: tail coverage.
Many insurers require physicians to pay a large, one-time premium, often tens of thousands of dollars, to cover claims that may arise years after they stop practicing. For specialists like neurosurgeons or OB/GYNs, the risk window can stretch decades.
“With MICA, if you’ve been with them long enough and met the retirement criteria, tail coverage is included,” Dr. Bass explains. “That’s a huge benefit. You don’t want to finish a career and then have to write a big check just to protect yourself.”
The significance of that coverage went well beyond finances. It gave Dr. Bass reassurance that MICA’s commitment to its physicians carried into retirement, offering stability and peace of mind at the close of a long career.
The lasting impact
Looking back, Dr. Bass believes MICA’s consistent, human-centered approach made all the difference in helping him maintain focus on what mattered most.
“They have always taken good care of their people,” he says. “That stability matters. It builds trust.”
Today, as MICA celebrates its 50th anniversary, Dr. Bass’s story reflects why the company was founded: to protect physicians not just with coverage, but with guidance, advocacy, and protection when it matters most.