XML 43 R15.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.4.0.6
Commitments and Contingencies
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]  
Commitments and Contingencies

10. Commitments and Contingencies

Our business results in medical malpractice lawsuits. We are insured through our captive insurance company to provide coverage for current claims brought against us. We use the captive insurance company for both primary insurance and excess liability coverage. A number of claims are now pending with our captive insurance company.

Our loss reserves are based on our historical claim experience, comparable industry experience and recent trends that would impact the ultimate settlement of claims. However, due to the uncertainties inherent in the determination of these liabilities, the ultimate settlement of claims incurred through September 30, 2012 could differ from the amounts recorded. At September 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we maintained insurance reserves of $6.9 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of which $909,000 and $951,000 have been classified as current within the caption “Accrued liabilities and other” in the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets. Although our insurance reserve reflects our best estimate of the amount of probable loss, we believe the range of loss that is reasonably possible to have been incurred to be approximately $5.1 million to $12.2 million at September 30, 2012. We record any adjustment to these estimates in the period determined.

During 2012, we entered into certain marketing commitments which require us to spend an aggregate of $1.1 million over the next three years.

In addition to the above, we are periodically subject to various other claims and lawsuits. We believe that none of these other claims or lawsuits to which we are currently subject, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.