Section 56-7-2405 - Health and accident policies - Surgical procedures within scope of dentistry and podiatry(a) "Physician" or "doctor," whenever used in any group or individual health or accident insurance policy issued in this state or in a medical service plan or hospital service contract or hospital and medical service contract, as provided in chapters 27-29 of this title or any similar statutes, providing for reimbursement or payment for surgical procedures or other medical or health care services that are specified in the policy, plan or contract, and are within the scope of practice of dentistry as defined in § 63-5-108 or within the scope of practice of a podiatrist as defined in § 63-3-101, shall be construed to include a duly licensed dentist or duly licensed podiatrist who performs the specified procedures or services, any provision in any policy, plan or contract to the contrary notwithstanding.(b) This section shall apply to all policies, plans and contracts issued, renewed or reinstated on and after July 1, 1974, and to all other policies, plans and contracts otherwise in existence on July 1, 1974, whenever there is a premium or rate change under the policies, plans and contracts.(c) The provisions of this section relating to podiatric services shall apply to all contracts, plans or policies issued or renewed on or after July 1, 1981.Acts 1974, ch. 515, §§ 1, 2; T.C.A., § 56-1166; Acts 1981, ch. 168, §§ 8-10; 1992, ch. 984, § 2; T.C.A., § 56-7-1002.