{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/38.2-3410.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/38.2-3410.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/38.2-3410.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/38.2-3410.html"}],"law_id":68501,"edition_id":1,"section_id":68501,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3410","catch_line":"Construction of policy generally; words &#8220;physician&#8221; and &#8220;doctor&#8221; to include dentist","history":"1968, c. 292, \u00a7 38.1-348.5; 1986, c. 562.","full_text":"Each accident and sickness insurance policy or subscription contract shall be construed according to the entirety of its terms and conditions as set forth in the policy and as amplified, extended or modified by any rider, endorsement, or application attached to and made a part of the policy. However, the word &#8220;physician&#8221; or &#8220;doctor&#8221; when used in any accident or sickness insurance policy, or subscription contract shall be construed to include a dentist performing covered services within the scope of his professional license.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":247999,"text":"Each accident and sickness insurance policy or subscription contract shall be construed according to the entirety of its terms and conditions as set forth in the policy and as amplified, extended or modified by any rider, endorsement, or application attached to and made a part of the policy. However, the word &#8220;physician&#8221; or &#8220;doctor&#8221; when used in any accident or sickness insurance policy, or subscription contract shall be construed to include a dentist performing covered services within the scope of his professional license.","type":"section","prefixes":[""],"prefix":"","entire_prefix":"","prefix_anchor":"","level":1}},"ancestry":[{"id":14324,"edition_id":1,"name":"Mandated Benefits","identifier":"2","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12993,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:47:45","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:47:45","permalink":{"id":215143,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":14324,"identifier":"2","token":"38.2\/34\/2","url":"\/38.2\/34\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12993,"edition_id":1,"name":"Provisions Relating to Accident and Sickness Insurance","identifier":"34","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12698,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:44:07","permalink":{"id":214887,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12993,"identifier":"34","token":"38.2\/34","url":"\/38.2\/34\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12698,"edition_id":1,"name":"Insurance","identifier":"38.2","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":210661,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12698,"identifier":"38.2","token":"38.2","url":"\/38.2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":87046,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3408","catch_line":"Policy providing for reimbursement for services that may be performed by certain practitioners other than physicians","url":"\/38.2-3408\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3408","metadata":false},{"id":55621,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3409","catch_line":"Coverage of dependent children","url":"\/38.2-3409\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3409","metadata":false},{"id":68501,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3410","catch_line":"Construction of policy generally; words \"physician\" and \"doctor\" to include dentist","url":"\/38.2-3410\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3410","metadata":false},{"id":76551,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411","catch_line":"Coverage of newborn children required","url":"\/38.2-3411\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411","metadata":false},{"id":71629,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411.1","catch_line":"Coverage for child health supervision services","url":"\/38.2-3411.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411.1","metadata":false},{"id":70694,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411.2","catch_line":"Coverage of adopted children required","url":"\/38.2-3411.2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411.2","metadata":false},{"id":77817,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411.3","catch_line":"Coverage for childhood immunizations","url":"\/38.2-3411.3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411.3","metadata":false},{"id":86598,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411.4","catch_line":"Coverage for infant hearing screening and related diagnostics","url":"\/38.2-3411.4\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411.4","metadata":false},{"id":63024,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3412","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3412\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3412","metadata":false},{"id":84153,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3412.1","catch_line":"Coverage for mental health and substance use disorders","url":"\/38.2-3412.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3412.1","metadata":false},{"id":75255,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3412.1:01","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3412.1_01\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3412.1_01","metadata":false},{"id":67892,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3413","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3413\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3413","metadata":false},{"id":81885,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3414","catch_line":"Optional coverage for obstetrical services","url":"\/38.2-3414\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3414","metadata":false},{"id":74497,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3414.1","catch_line":"Obstetrical benefits; coverage for postpartum services","url":"\/38.2-3414.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3414.1","metadata":false},{"id":58957,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3415","catch_line":"Exclusion or reduction of benefits for certain causes prohibited","url":"\/38.2-3415\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3415","metadata":false},{"id":69898,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3416","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3416\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3416","metadata":false},{"id":59007,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3417","catch_line":"Deductibles and coinsurance options required","url":"\/38.2-3417\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3417","metadata":false},{"id":81514,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418","catch_line":"Coverage for victims of rape or incest","url":"\/38.2-3418\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418","metadata":false},{"id":85746,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.1","catch_line":"Coverage for mammograms","url":"\/38.2-3418.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.1","metadata":false},{"id":86304,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.10","catch_line":"Coverage for diabetes","url":"\/38.2-3418.10\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.10","metadata":false},{"id":87414,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.11","catch_line":"Coverage for hospice care","url":"\/38.2-3418.11\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.11","metadata":false},{"id":81464,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.12","catch_line":"Coverage for hospitalization and anesthesia for dental procedures","url":"\/38.2-3418.12\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.12","metadata":false},{"id":82972,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.13","catch_line":"Coverage for the treatment of morbid obesity","url":"\/38.2-3418.13\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.13","metadata":false},{"id":85731,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.14","catch_line":"Coverage for lymphedema","url":"\/38.2-3418.14\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.14","metadata":false},{"id":71964,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.15","catch_line":"Coverage for prosthetic devices and components","url":"\/38.2-3418.15\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.15","metadata":false},{"id":57543,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.15:1","catch_line":"Coverage for prosthetic devices and components","url":"\/38.2-3418.15_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.15_1","metadata":false},{"id":61286,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.16","catch_line":"Coverage for telemedicine services","url":"\/38.2-3418.16\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.16","metadata":false},{"id":81144,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.17","catch_line":"Coverage for autism spectrum disorder","url":"\/38.2-3418.17\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.17","metadata":false},{"id":60567,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.18","catch_line":"Coverage for formula and enteral nutrition products as medicine","url":"\/38.2-3418.18\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.18","metadata":false},{"id":79176,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.19","catch_line":"Coverage for organ, eye or tissue transplant","url":"\/38.2-3418.19\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.19","metadata":false},{"id":69963,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.1:1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/38.2-3418.1_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.1_1","metadata":false},{"id":72277,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.1:2","catch_line":"Coverage for pap smears","url":"\/38.2-3418.1_2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.1_2","metadata":false},{"id":64216,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.1:3","catch_line":"Cost sharing for breast examinations","url":"\/38.2-3418.1_3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.1_3","metadata":false},{"id":80233,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.2","catch_line":"Coverage of procedures involving bones and joints","url":"\/38.2-3418.2\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.2","metadata":false},{"id":73658,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.20","catch_line":"Coverage for hearing aids and related services [Not in effect]","url":"\/38.2-3418.20\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.20","metadata":false},{"id":76455,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.21","catch_line":"Coverage for hearing aids and related services","url":"\/38.2-3418.21\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.21","metadata":false},{"id":67690,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.22","catch_line":"Coverage for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections and pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome","url":"\/38.2-3418.22\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.22","metadata":false},{"id":79724,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.3","catch_line":"Coverage for hemophilia and congenital bleeding disorders","url":"\/38.2-3418.3\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.3","metadata":false},{"id":86337,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.4","catch_line":"Coverage for reconstructive breast surgery; notice; eligibility","url":"\/38.2-3418.4\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.4","metadata":false},{"id":87401,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.5","catch_line":"Coverage for early intervention services","url":"\/38.2-3418.5\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.5","metadata":false},{"id":61674,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.6","catch_line":"Minimum hospital stay for mastectomy and certain lymph node dissection patients","url":"\/38.2-3418.6\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.6","metadata":false},{"id":71759,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.7","catch_line":"Coverage for prostate cancer screening","url":"\/38.2-3418.7\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.7","metadata":false},{"id":62197,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.7:1","catch_line":"Coverage for colorectal cancer screening","url":"\/38.2-3418.7_1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.7_1","metadata":false},{"id":63576,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.8","catch_line":"Coverage for clinical trials for treatment studies on cancer","url":"\/38.2-3418.8\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.8","metadata":false},{"id":72556,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3418.9","catch_line":"Minimum hospital stay for hysterectomy","url":"\/38.2-3418.9\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3418.9","metadata":false},{"id":66144,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3419","catch_line":"Additional mandated coverage made optional to group policy or contract holder","url":"\/38.2-3419\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3419","metadata":false},{"id":57559,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3419.1","catch_line":"Report of costs and utilization of mandated benefits","url":"\/38.2-3419.1\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3419.1","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":55621,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3409","catch_line":"Coverage of dependent children","url":"\/38.2-3409\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3409","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":76551,"structure_id":14324,"section_number":"38.2-3411","catch_line":"Coverage of newborn children required","url":"\/38.2-3411\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3411","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/38.2-3410\/","history_text":"<p>This law was first created in 1968. The record of its establishment is cataloged in chapter 292 of that year\u2019s edition of \u201cActs of Assembly,\u201d the annual state publication listing all changes made to the Code of Virginia in that year. Unfortunately, the 1968 \u201cActs\u201d aren\u2019t available online. It has been modified 1 time. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. That modification is as follows: in 1986, chapter 562.<\/p>","references":false,"refers_to":false,"permalink":{"id":215153,"object_type":"law","relational_id":68501,"identifier":"38.2-3410","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3410","url":"\/38.2-3410\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/38.2-3410\/","token":"38.2\/34\/2\/38.2-3410","dublin_core":{"Title":"Construction of policy generally; words &#8220;physician&#8221; and &#8220;doctor&#8221; to include dentist","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 38.2-3410","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<section><p>Each accident and sickness <span class=\"dictionary\">insurance<\/span> policy or subscription <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> shall be construed according to the entirety of its terms and conditions as set forth in the policy and as amplified, extended or modified by any rider, endorsement, or application attached to and made a part of the policy. However, the word &#8220;physician&#8221; or &#8220;doctor&#8221; when used in any accident or sickness <span class=\"dictionary\">insurance<\/span> policy, or subscription <span class=\"dictionary\">contract<\/span> shall be construed to include a dentist performing covered services within the scope of his professional license.<\/p><\/section>","plain_text":"                                 CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nCONSTRUCTION OF POLICY GENERALLY; WORDS &#8220;PHYSICIAN&#8221; AND\n&#8220;DOCTOR&#8221; TO INCLUDE DENTIST (\u00a7 38.2-3410)\n\nEach accident and sickness insurance policy or subscription contract shall be\nconstrued according to the entirety of its terms and conditions as set forth in\nthe policy and as amplified, extended or modified by any rider, endorsement, or\napplication attached to and made a part of the policy. However, the word\n&#8220;physician&#8221; or &#8220;doctor&#8221; when used in any accident or\nsickness insurance policy, or subscription contract shall be construed to\ninclude a dentist performing covered services within the scope of his\nprofessional license.\n\nHISTORY: 1968, c. 292, \u00a7 38.1-348.5; 1986, c. 562.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}