We have two blogs and this one is devoted to supplying insurance claims professionals with valuable tips, life hacks, advice on using transcripts, and insight. Don’t forget to subscribe to our blog to receive future posts directly in your inbox.

Why Detailed Notes Are an Essential Part of the Insurance Claims Process

/0 Comments/in /by Karla Ellison

If you’re an insurance claims adjuster, you probably understand just how important it is to complete your case files in a timely fashion. However, getting the job done the right way is just as vital as sticking to departmental timeframes. Here are five reasons why having detailed notes is an essential part of the insurance claims process.

Reason #1: Determining Negligence

Determining a negligence percentage for a particular claim is a large part of an insurance adjuster’s job. Whether you are trying to decide if your insured caused a significant incident or a claimant is solely at fault, having detailed notes will help you accurately make this calculation during the insurance claims process. By including factors such as weather, a Google map of a specific intersection, or other pertinent information with as many specifics as possible, you can ensure that you are making an informed and correct decision based on the facts you’ve gathered within the file.

Reason #2: Detecting Fraud

Another reason to take detailed notes in your case files is that sometimes details change, which is a major indicator of fraudulent reporting. By being able to compare a wide range of factors and statements at any given time based on what you’ve included as part of the claim, you can easily determine whether or not there is a need for additional review by your special investigation unit or other, similar department. Furthermore, the information that you’ve gathered in the file could help fully determine whether or not there is actually an issue as the team goes through its own processes.

Reason #3: File Handling in Your Department

If the insurance company you represent is like most, there’s a good chance that several different people in your department will handle the file before it is ultimately closed. Having detailed case file notes ensures that anyone can pick the insurance claims process up right where you left off. This is especially helpful if you are away from the office over a period of time or a caller reaches another member of your team. In addition, it is best to look at this from an alternate viewpoint—if you had to read through a claim handled by a coworker, would you want to have as much information as possible? Chances are good that you would.

Reason #4: Future Arbitration

Detailed notes are also essential when it comes to any future arbitration efforts. As you probably already know, Arbitration Forums does not accept audio files and only allows written submissions as part of an argument. While including a recorded statement transcription is nice, sometimes it is important to include much more in order to accurately present your side. In addition, there are times when an insured’s statement doesn’t do much to help your case. Those instances are where having accurate and complete case note files can mean the difference between a win or loss with the arbitrator.

Reason #5: Possible Litigation

One of the most overlooked aspects of case files by insurance claims adjusters is that their notes could become part of litigation proceedings. While the chances of this happening are slim, it is always important to keep this possibility in mind when you are completing your files. Ask yourself if you are including enough information for your company’s legal team. Would they be able to decipher what is going on with the file and how it is moving forward? Make sure your notes are free of any jargon or “text speak” that can make your company look less than professional.

Of course, one of the easiest ways to add extra detail to your claims files is by utilizing a company that offers transcription services. By pairing a textual version of recorded interviews with complete notes, you can ensure that the settlement process goes smoothly and is settled accurately and fairly—no matter what happens with the case.

Why Verbatim Transcription Matters

/4 Comments/in /by Karla Ellison

Verbatim transcription is a unique type of transcription where every utterance – every “um,” “ah,” false start, stutter, repetition, grammatical error, and partial word – is reproduced in written format.

This means a verbatim transcript reads just how the recording sounds. A transcriptionist seeks to turn the spoken word into text, most accurately reflecting what was said.

Recorded statement transcripts are almost always verbatim style. Steven Kerry Brown defines a recorded statement as a, “voice tape recording made by a witness covering facts and/or the witness’s recollection of the pertinent incident.”

Adjusters and insurance special investigators typically take statements and it does not matter if they are taken in person or over the phone.

 

Uses for Verbatim Transcription

A recorded statement is a key piece of evidence in the investigation of a claim. Subrogation and special investigation (SIU) professionals typically put in the requests to have a statement transcribed.

A subrogation professional might prepare a claim file to be submitted to arbitration, and having a transcript included as a piece of evidence often adds significant value and credibility to the file. As Hector Quiroga, a law professional, points out, he has seen many cases in which arbitrators will rule in favor of a better documented file.

The most common use for recorded statement transcripts is in claim files used for inter-company arbitration.

Arbitration Forums is the most popular group of insurance arbitration professionals, and provides a neutral panel of claims professionals to hear cases. The organization offers arbitration through a number of different forums, including auto, PIP, and property forums, to name a few.

Insurers might also use verbatim transcripts as an exhibit in court.

 

Every Word Matters

This style is important for interviews where the way in which something is said is just as important as the content of what is being said.

Claims professionals can often pick up on valuable information based on certain sighs, stutters, pauses and other utterances the interviewee produces and it takes a skilled transcriptionist to accurately reproduce all the utterances of an interviewee.

Having every utterance reproduced in typed format can help a fraud investigator more easily identify areas of the case to devote greater attention to. For example, if the interviewee stutters more and uses more filler words (perhaps indicating nervousness) when explaining who was driving their car at the time of the accident, perhaps the interviewee is attempting to distort the truth.

Transcribing verbatim style can be quite a challenge and still requires human expertise. The adjuster and interviewee might speak over one another, accents can be difficult to understand, and poor recording quality can complicate the transcription process.

4 Times Insurance Transcription Speed Matters

/0 Comments/in , /by Karla Ellison

Are you looking for a new recorded statement transcription provider for your company? While there are a multitude of different factors to consider when finding an ideal firm to work with, one of the most important is how long it takes for them to return files after you submit an order.

Most companies offering quality insurance transcription services promise a specific turnaround time for transcription orders. Be wary of any vendor who won’t guarantee a specific turnaround time. Three to five days is considered a relatively standard order processing window in the insurance transcription industry. Most also offer quicker turnaround options if you’re willing to pay more (Allegis offers 3 turnaround options, for example). The key here is that both parties should have a clear understanding of the amount of time necessary for order processing. This will set the stage for a smooth and successful working relationship.

So, why is quick and reliable turnaround important? Here are four times when transcription speed matters.

#1: When It is Important That You Get the Job Done Hassle-Free

If there had to be a single reason for why speed matters when hiring a verbatim transcription provider, it would be how important it is to get the job done without a hassle. As a claims department, you have enough going on during the course of business. You don’t need the added aggravation of having to wait for a sub-par company to convert your audio to text.

Consider this scenario for a moment to get a clearer picture. There’s an important transcript that affects how a claim proceeds, and it is taking weeks to get it back (I’ve actually talked to several insurers where they’re waiting 2-3 weeks for transcripts. No joke). Your adjuster has to spend time on the phone or via email every week, trying to figure out when the file will be returned. Not only does this stop the smooth flow of the file process, it eats up valuable time that this adjuster should be spending on other, more vital tasks. This is where working with a provider who has a clear picture of how long it should take to complete a transcription is most important.

#2: When You Are Trying to Work a File Through to Completion

As many claims managers, supervisors, and adjusters already know, trying to work a file through to completion within a reasonable amount of time is essential. In fact, most companies have targets for how many claims they want closed each month and work incessantly to meet and exceed these goals.

If a claim gets stuck open because a transcription provider isn’t moving as quickly as needed, this can cause a major problem (not to mention incredibly frustrating). Before working with a vendor, always gain a clear understanding of what turnaround times are available, how often the vendor meets these standards (Allegis typically meets 99.9% of our promised turnaround times, for example), and what happens if turnarounds are missed (are there any repercussions?).

#3: When Your Arbitration Deadline is Looming

Another reason why insurance transcription speed matters is for times when your arbitration deadline is looming. Whether you are filing the claim or simply responding, the ability to have a quick turnaround time on a verbatim transcription file is crucial to preparing a complete claim file that will maximize your chance of winning in arbitration.

Arbitration Forums does not accept audio recordings, so if you want to be able to use an insured or claimant’s exact recorded statement as evidence for your side, you have to have it converted to text. If this isn’t available or the amount of time it takes to get the transcript exceeds your timeframe, the information may not be included in the arbitrator’s review.

#4: When the Information Being Translated is Important to Your Investigation

One more reason why speed matters when it comes to insurance transcription and translation is that the information could make a difference to your investigation. This is especially true in instances where a party speaks Spanish and you are trying to decipher what they said happened in the incident. Having to wait to get a file back only drags out the amount of time it takes for an adjuster to make a liability decision or otherwise proceed. Ask vendors how they handle translation. It’s not uncommon for vendors to outsource this function, adding additional complexity to the process and introducing further potential for delays.

Keeping all of these factors in mind, it is easy to see why working with a transcription and translation partner who values speed is important. At Allegis, we know that getting your insurance transcription files back to you on time, every time, is crucial. This is why we offer our clients three different methods of return—standard four-day, two-day, and four-hour rush. Please contact us today for more information.

5 Perks of Utilizing Recorded Statement Transcription

/2 Comments/in /by Tyler Marshall

There’s no doubt that insurers who handle a large claim volume are always looking to improve their processes and increase productivity. One way to do this is by utilizing an insurance transcription company to handle transferring all recorded statements to verbatim text.

Here are five perks of recorded statement transcription and working with a reputable partner when doing so.

Perk #1: Helpful for Arbitration Files

If your company sends any claims files to arbitration, having a solid recorded statement transcription provider is helpful. Those who review cases for Arbitration Forums cannot listen to recorded audio to make their determination. Thus, if you want the information provided during the call to count towards evidence of your position, you must have a transcript in the file.

In some circumstances, having this document can mean the difference between winning and losing a case simply because it provides a firsthand account of accident events. Many companies have had to pay out thousands of dollars on arbitration files that they may have never lost if they had included a recorded statement transcription as part of their response.

Perk #2: A Good Way to Detect Fraud Indicators

Another perk of having insurance transcription done on your recorded statements is that it makes detecting fraud just a bit easier. In some instances where an adjuster might think something odd is up but cannot prove it, they will often have multiple different interviews with the same party to see if their story changes in any way. These audio recordings can then be transcribed into verbatim text documents, which allows the claim handler the opportunity to compare printed copies side by side.

In addition, if fraud is determined and the case goes to law enforcement, the transcription documents can be used by the court system as evidence. This is a huge deal for major insurance companies trying to mitigate loss and prevent insurance fraud perpetrators from becoming repeat offenders.

Perk #3: Offers a Way to Have a Complete File

Having a complete file is vital when it comes to claims handling. Recorded statement transcription ensures that any audio files are transferred into verbatim textual form, allowing an adjuster to cite or reference certain information in their notes.

In some cases, having a quality transcription allows a liability examiner the opportunity to catch important details that may not have sounded pertinent on the phone, but make a large difference in their final decision as to who is at fault for an incident.

Perk #4: Saves Time for Adjusters

Another perk of working with a top-notch recorded statement transcription provider is that it greatly saves time for adjusters. Where some departments used to have individual adjusters or single, assigned individual to transcribe audio recordings, utilizing an outside partner eliminates the need and allows time for other things. For mid-level or large claims departments, this time savings is vital.

Perk #5: Great for Transferring of Files Between Claims Departments

There are a multitude of reasons why a claims file might be transferred between different departments and/or adjusters. Job promotions, escalation of claims severity, or even additional file review could send a claim to a person who has never seen the facts of the case before.

Having a quality recorded statement transcription is a great way to give a new adjuster all the information they need in a timely fashion. Instead of spending hours pouring over case notes or trying to listen to audio recordings, everything is available in a handful of text documents.

Of course, these are just a few of the benefits of utilizing transcription for your claims audio files and recorded statements. Can you think of any more?

4 Ways Insurers Can Utilize Transcription and Translation Services

/0 Comments/in , /by Tyler Marshall

If you’ve kept up with our blog over the last few months, you already know that working with a quality transcription provider is essential to the overall claims process. But why do insurance carriers need to work with a transcription company in the first place, and what do they do with the text files once they’ve received them back?

Here are four ways insurers can utilize transcription and translation services.

#1: As Part of Claims Files Destined for Arbitration and Subrogation

One way that many property and casualty companies utilize transcription and translation services is for files that are in recovery.

The arbitration and subrogation portions of the claims process are essential. This is the time in which insurance companies are able to reclaim outstanding funds that have already been paid out and make a positive impact on the insurer’s bottom line.

In situations that involve sending a basic subrogation file to an adverse carrier that has accepted some degree of liability, including a transcribed statement is more of a courtesy to help them complete their file. It depends on each individual carriers’ practices, but overall it’s a common practice throughout the industry.

But when it comes to an arbitration claim, the need for a textual transcript is even greater. In order to make each case as complete as possible, Arbitration Forums specifically recommends having a verbatim transcription done on each recorded audio statement. The reason for this is that arbitrators who review cases do not have the ability to listen to audio files and could be missing out on key data by not having the information included.

Consider this example as a prime reason why a transcript is important for arbitration. Imagine a situation where an insured’s statement greatly affects the outcome of a case. The only two options you have as an adjuster is to send in the file with your notes on what happened during the call or send a verbatim transcription over as part of your findings. In this situation, your notes are generally considered secondhand information and won’t be weighted as heavily as a direct transcript. Thus, there’s a big chance that the liability outcome could be very different simply because a transcript was or was not wasn’t included in your submission.

#2: To Translate Spanish Audio to English

For some insurance companies, it isn’t always possible to keep a staff member who speaks Spanish on the claims team. This is where many firms opt to use an outside transcription and translation company.

The process works whether your audio file includes a discussion with an insured, a claimant, a witness, or virtually anyone else. Once the audio is submitted, it is translated into English text so that the adjuster can clarify what the other party said during the recorded statement. In situations where a friend or family member might be translating on the phone for the person you are interviewing, this transcript can be key, as it allows you to compare what the person actually said in their native language with what the third-party described during the call. Allegis even gives you the option of including the original Spanish is textual form, including along with the English translation to provide, making the transcript as comprehensive as possible.

This service is also important if you regularly send files to arbitration or your company’s special investigation unit. Many arbiters and investigators do not speak Spanish, but appreciate having a text transcript that has been translated for their review.

#3: To Help Detect Fraud

Another way insurers can utilize transcription and translation services is to help detect fraud.

As much as it is great to think that everyone who files an auto or home claim is telling the truth, it just isn’t how things pan out in reality. According to the Insurance Information Institute, approximately $32 million is paid out on fraudulent property casualty claims each year, or right around ten percent of all paid losses.

Where the audio files and subsequent transcription documents play a role is that they provide documentation coming directly from insureds and claimants. These statements can often be compared to one another to help find discrepancies or even outright lies, as analyzing written language is far easier for an adjuster than having to sift through audio files. In addition, verbatim insurance transcription files generally include pauses, mix-ups in language, and other cues that can indicate the occurrence of fraudulent activity.

The other reason why having a transcript is important when it comes to fighting claims fraud is that it allows investigators evidence when they are trying to prosecute a third party for insurance fraud. In court cases, these transcripts are often used as a way to prove guilt. If the file ever goes to litigation, that transcript can make a difference because it specifically captures every on the audio recording.

#4: To Make File Notes Easier to Read Among Claims Staff

A fourth way that insurers can use transcription and translation documents is to simply keep their workflow moving smoothly.

When you convert audio to text, you end up with a file that can be read over quite easily and quickly. Should the file change hands in your department at any time, the new person on the claim can be brought up to speed without too much effort. For example, if an adjuster is out sick, a coworker can easily pick up the claim and continue working on it by reading the recorded statement transcription. Not only does this make the whole process easier overall, it saves the second adjuster a great deal of time, as reading the file takes far less effort than listening to a recording in real time. And, as anyone who has worked in the industry will tell you, time is a critical component to effectively managing claims!

Furthermore, this ability is also important for companies that regularly send claims through an escalation system. The previous adjuster does not have to provide as many direct notes in the file, as the new adjuster will be able to look information up using the exact words from the recorded statement transcription.

As you can tell from these four reasons, transcription and translation files are crucial to the way claims adjusters conduct business. While these are prime examples of why insurers need this type of service, they aren’t the only reasons. The ability for supervisors to review adjuster work for positive attributes, claims departments to look for examples on how to handle customer service, and several other important facets to the overall claims process all involve audio transcription files.

Avoiding Bad Faith Insurance Claims – 4 Tips

/0 Comments/in , /by Landra Lynn

If you’ve been in the claims field for any period of time, you’ve probably heard about bad faith insurance claims. These types of incidents usually stem from an insured misinterpreting an adjuster’s actions, but can be caused by other reasons, as well.

Cases of this nature are extremely detrimental to an insurer, both monetarily and to their reputation. For adjusters, being involved in or the cause of one can even cost you your job.

Here are a few tips for keeping a bad faith insurance claim from happening to your company.

 

What Are Bad Faith Insurance Claims?

In order to understand how to avoid a bad faith insurance claim, it is important to know what one actually entails.

According to the simplest explanation, the process involves a tort claim filed by a policyholder against their own insurance company due to the firm’s poor or negligent acts. Typically, lawsuits of this nature run several thousand dollars, but can easily top the million mark.

These allegations can range from something simple to something catastrophic depending on what occurred and how the insured responded to the incident. In most states, only a policyholder can file litigation. However, a few areas also offer third-party individuals the chance to file suit.

In short, bad faith claims are considered very serious and have the potential of being very costly for an insurance company.

 

Tip #1: Appropriately Respond to Policyholders

If there was a single reason as to why many insurers get hit with a bad faith claim, it would probably be for failing to respond to a policyholder in a timely fashion.

Adjusters should always try to keep the insured informed as to where the file stands by contacting them every so often. This includes during the investigative process. (The exact timeframe will depend greatly on the nature of the claim and your department’s guidelines on how often to try to make contact.)

Furthermore, it is crucial to return all phone calls and email correspondence as reasonably possible. Sometimes just the act of making a quick call to let them know that nothing has changed is enough to make the insured feel informed about the process. To ensure you are protected, always keep documentation of contact attempts with details on the time, day, what was said, or if a voicemail was left.

 

Tip #2: Investigate the Claim to the Fullest Extent

Another way to keep bad faith insurance claims from happening is by investigating each file you handle to the fullest extent possible.

Many bad faith claims have been lost in the past by insurers simply because an adjuster failed to completely investigate a situation before making a decision as to whether to deny the claim or not.

On an auto claim, all witnesses and passengers should always be interviewed if you have contact information and all possible avenues of explanation for the incident should be followed up. For a property claim, this could mean checking weather reports to determine if there was a storm in the area, ordering a police report for a theft, etc.

 

Tip #3: Avoid Bundling Sections of the Claim

One way many insurers have gotten burned is by an adjuster trying to bundle various sections of the claim. Essentially, this means only agreeing to settle the part of the claim that is reasonable and straightforward if the entire claim is settled as a whole.

While this can be a little tricky if your departmental guidelines suggest you do otherwise, your best bet for avoiding a bad faith insurance claim is to tread lightly. If it seems like the insured is on board for this fashion of settlement, talk with your supervisor or manager to see whether or not they feel it is appropriate to do so. However, this is one of those situations that has a potential to go wrong quickly, so it is always best to review carefully before negotiating in this manner.

 

Tip #4: Always Look Out for the Best Interest of Your Insured

It is also very important that you always look out for the best interest of your insured. After all, they pay premiums each month in exchange for having someone on their side in the event of an incident.

Be careful what you say to vendors, adverse carriers, or anyone else in regards to your policyholder. There are many instances where offhanded remarks by an adjuster have caused problems that ultimately led to a bad faith claim.

In addition to watching who you talk to, it is also important to be tactful during all conversations. Many past cases regarding a bad faith claims resulting from this sort of incident include those where an adjuster was insensitive to a grieving family by using hurtful or hostile language.

While many bad faith cases are simply a misunderstanding between a policyholder and their insurance company, there are many that are appropriate for the circumstance. Help protect your firm by always adhering to the above mentioned tips.

6 Tips for Hiring a Professional Transcription Service

/5 Comments/in /by Tyler Marshall

Are you searching for a new, high quality transcription company to work with? In order to ensure you are getting the best service possible, it is always important to thoroughly vet all potential recorded statement transcription firms prior to signing any contracts. But how do you know what questions to ask and how to tell if a provider is subpar?

At Allegis, we only offer top-notch transcription services to insurance carriers. However, we understand that there are many other industries requiring transcription services, such as medical, legal, education, and others. This guide is designed to be helpful no matter what industry you are in.

Here are six tips for hiring a quality transcription company.

Tip #1: Find Out Their Level of Expertise within Your Industry

One of the most important steps to take when hiring a quality transcription company is to find out their level of expertise within your industry. Many vendors focus on a specific industry. Find out who some of their past and present clients are as well. Have they served numerous universities and only one police department? Well, if you’re in law enforcement, they’re probably not the best vendor for you.

On the opposite end of the spectrum are vendors who say they can meet the needs of just about any industry. This isn’t an impossible business model to execute on – but it’s very difficult to do it well. If you are speaking with a vendor who serves numerous industries, make sure they segment transcriptionists by industry expertise and transcription type (type: meaning, verbatim, edited, slightly edited, etc.). The important thing is you don’t want the same transcriptionists switching from one industry to another. The same goes for transcription styles.

Also consider that industry expertise also means you get transcriptionists who understand industry-specific nuances, specific jargon, abbreviations, and unique phrases. Thus, it is vital that you find a quality transcription provider who has extensive experience with your particular industry and use case.

Tip #2: Inquire About Their Data Security Procedures

In some industries, the audio information being transcribed to text doesn’t include personal or confidential information. However, many companies requiring transcription often do have sensitive data within their recordings, including social security numbers, health records, financial data, and more. This is especially true for the insurance industry; recorded statements are fully of sensitive and personally identifiable data (PII). If your firm falls into this category, it is imperative that you work with a quality transcription team who places a high emphasis on data security, and who have documented, vetted security procedures and technology in place.

Hackers these days are smart. They know what companies to target to get the information they need for identity thefts and can easily find weaknesses within company systems. Any recorded statement transcription company you work with should utilize the latest tools available to keep your client’s personal data safe—from the moment the audio files arrive until the moment you receive the final transcript and beyond. They should also continually monitor their systems and adapt to changes in information security technology as they arise.

Tip #3: Ask About Turnaround Time and Scheduling

Another important thing to inquire about when hiring a transcription firm is their turnaround time. Are there set guidelines as to how many days a file should take to be transcribed before it is returned or is the schedule open-ended? It is important to be wary of any company that leaves the timeframe open because it could signal delays in your project, which might be a deal breaker for you.

You’ll also want to know whether or not they offer any sort of rush ordering. Working with a company that offers this type of service can be crucial during moments when an unexpected incident comes up that leaves you in a tough spot. Instead, find out what their policy is on emergency orders and the fastest turnaround time possible. Also, see if there’s a simple process for initiating these types of orders. Can you submit the rush orders online or do you have to call up customer service? The former method is much more convenient.

Tip #4: Determine How They Handle Changes in Workload

It is also important to ask any transcription companies you are thinking of hiring how they handle changes in workload. Certain industries, such as the legal and insurance fields, have a particular ebb and flow of the number of transcriptions they require at any given time. Some months can be insanely hectic, while other months can be slower (December is a good example of a slow month for insurance transcriptionists).

You’ll want to ask any potential transcription provider if they have the staff to handle a large surge in transcriptions and whether they scale their workers accordingly. This simple detail plays a major role in the quality of your final transcription project, so it is vital that you inquire ahead of time to give you an idea of what to expect if the situation ever arises.

Tip #5: Request Examples of Previous Projects

Another thing you should do when trying to find a high quality transcription provider is request examples of previous projects and references. This can include sample transcriptions, prior project details, and references from customers willing to speak with potential customers such as yourself.

While you can simply ask these questions, it is often better to speak with existing customers and review sample work before taking the plunge. You want to pick the right firm because, ideally, you’ll work with them for years to come. Switching is a pain and you want to minimize the chances of a switching headache as much as possible.. Marketing can make a company sound better than they really are, but example data from past projects provides a much clearer picture of how a firm performs when it comes down to getting the job done.

Tip #6: Learn What Quality Standards They Require for Their Transcriptionists

When it comes to verbatim transcription, quality is everything. Ask any company you are considering working with what standards they hold their transcriptionists to. Is it ninety-eight percent or higher? How many mistakes do they allow on a review? The greater the standard, the more likely your piece will come back complete and free of error.

In short, it is important to do thorough research before deciding on a recorded statement transcription company. Failure to do so can spell tons of trouble for your firm, but fully vetting a quality provider can mean a happy business partnership for many years to come.

3 Reasons to Consider Allegis for Your Insurance Transcription Needs

/0 Comments/in /by Tyler Marshall

Finding a quality transcription provider doesn’t have to be a difficult process. At Allegis Transcription, we take the unique requirements of our clients very seriously. Here are three reasons to consider Allegis for your insurance transcription needs.

#1: Data Security

In today’s world, data security is an imperative part of the business process. Companies that fail to protect the personal information of customers open themselves up to the risk of a major data breach. As many large firms throughout the country who have experienced this will tell you, the fallout from such an incident can cost millions of dollars in lost revenue and destroy public trust.

At Allegis, we have a comprehensive understanding of the security requirements needed to protect our clients’ data. This is why we adhere to enterprise-grade security requirements to ensure that the private data in your recorded statement transcriptions is always safe. From the moment your recorded statement is uploaded to the moment your transcript is ready for download, your file never leaves our secure system. In addition, our chief information and security officer is constantly updating our procedures and policies and making sure we stay ahead of security risks.

#2: Knowledge, Quality, and Capacity

Few transcription vendors have the same level of dedication and experience as Allegis does. We are nearing twenty years in the industry. We’ve experienced the introduction of new technologies and watched the insurance market change over the years.

When it comes to verbatim transcription for large property and casualty insurers, we know exactly what it takes to get the job done. Our team of skilled verbatim transcriptionists is familiar with industry terms, jargon, and processes. Our quality assume team makes sure our clients receive the transcripts of the highest quality. We also benefit from the extensive experience of our staff, with several having been with the company since its inception.

It’s the experience and expertise of our staff that enable us to successfully manage the largest team of insurance transcriptionists available. We staff in accordance with the requirements of our clients. This allows us to scale the team accordingly to the ebb and flow of your insurance transcription capacity needs without having to sacrifice quality.

#3: Flexibility

With so many years of experience within the insurance transcription industry, we understand that the needs of our clients can greatly vary from one firm to another. This is why we offer many different order processing options to help align with your existing claims workflow.

In addition, we provide a variety of turnaround times to accommodate client needs. Our standard timeframe for recorded statement transcriptions is four days, which falls in line with most insurer’s five day window. For those unavoidable circumstances where faster delivery is required, we also provide two-day priority and four-hour rush options.

Allegis Cares About Our Clients

If you couldn’t tell from the three facts above, Allegis truly cares about our clients. While most firms in our industry are more apt to try to sell you on a feature you don’t really need or just simply drop the ball when it comes to meeting your strict requirements, we are all about providing you with the highest level of service possible. That is why we are proud to be the industry leader and look forward to helping your firm in the future.

Interested in receiving further information or obtaining a business quote? Please contact us at Allegis Transcription today.

Is the Workers’ Compensation Claims Industry Seeing a Renaissance? 4 Facts to Know

/0 Comments/in /by Tyler Marshall

If you are employed in the workers’ compensation claims industry, now is the time to take note. The National Council for Compensation Insurance’s yearly market analysis report released at the end of 2015 offers some interesting insight into what is to come.

As of right now, available data from the past few years indicate that workers’ compensation claim payouts are currently stable in most regions. However, there is an overwhelming feeling of caution among claims insiders that this could change very rapidly over the next few years.

Why? The industry is going through a marked renaissance. Technology advances in how claims adjusters handle files, the amount of manpower needed to navigate highly technical claims, and even the type of treatments that claimants are seeking is changing at a rapid pace. Many states are also implementing regulations to make the process more cost-effective. These many changes have insurance companies bracing themselves for what’s to come.

Here are a few other issues to consider when to understand where the industry is headed.

#1: Affordable Care Act Affects Workers’ Compensation Claim Payouts

When talking about the state of the workers’ compensation claims industry, it is important to remember that healthcare billing always has an effect on claim payouts. With many aspects of medical industry costs changing in a post-Affordable Care Act environment, the reflection is bound to be seen in workers’ compensation claims payout statistics within the next few years. However, not enough time has passed to be able to evaluate the data, so many insurers are left guessing when it comes to accurately evaluate risk and charging policy premiums.

Takeaway – Not enough data exists to see how the ACA affects workers’ comp claims, but it is expected to figure into reports and claims handling practices in the next few years.

#2: Claimants Are Seeking More Expensive Alternative Treatments and Providers

Another reason why the work comp industry is changing rapidly is that claimants are more open to trying new treatments for their injuries versus standard care than in the past. This includes taking advantage of compounding pharmacies, which often charge higher prices than large pharmaceutical firms for similar medications. Many patients no longer trust these conglomerates with their health and choose local options instead, with personalized treatment that often comes with a heftier price tag for insurers.

Takeaway – As patients seek out alternative care option, the cost of claim payouts increases.

#3: New State Regulations Are Actually Stabilizing Payouts in Some Areas

New state regulations over the last few years can actually be credited for stabilizing claim payouts in some areas. The majority of jurisdictions who have either standardized rates for medical care when a workers’ compensation claim is involved or put cap limits in place have seen a difference, but it may not be enough. More data over the next few years needs to be compared in order to create a full picture. In addition, many states are adding new rules and policies all the time, so it could take some time before firm policy is really in place nationwide.

Takeaway – States are now creating more policies that limit medical bills and cap payouts of work comp claims, which could help stabilize payouts.

#4: Technology Exposures

Workers’ compensation insurers today are faced with one of the biggest complications they’ve ever seen before—data breaches. With so much claimant personal information contained within computer files, data security is of paramount importance for firms that handle these types of files. Furthermore, companies that outsource certain aspects of claims handling—such as workers’ compensation transcription—have to be extra careful who they do business with. This increasing need for extra protection is one cost that is definitely changing the face of the industry.

(Hint: Allegis Transcription takes data security very seriously. Learn more here.)

Takeaway – The cost of data security is rapidly becoming a cost factor for many workers’ compensation insurers.

To conclude, the workers’ compensation claims industry is at a good place for the moment, but an evolving atmosphere could lead to big changes in the next few years.

Insurance Adjuster Licensing Reciprocity – What You Need to Know

/0 Comments/in /by Tyler Marshall

As most claims personnel already know, having a current license to handle files in your state is essential to your employment. While the test to become a licensed adjuster can be somewhat brutal, it is passable with enough study time and tenacity.

But what do you do if you decide to move to another location or your firm takes on claims from another state? Here are a few things you need to know about insurance licensing reciprocity.

What is Licensing Reciprocity and Who is It Beneficial For?

The basis behind licensing reciprocity is simple—having an insurance claims license in one state helps you obtain one in a second state. The thought behind this is that if you’ve already taken the time to learn insurance regulation for one location, gone through the testing process, and passed, that you are likely to repeat the process in a new area.

This is primarily beneficial for those who move to a new area due to family reasons, find another job in a different state, or simply work for a large insurer who handle claims for a multitude of regions out of one central office.

Where You Live Matters

When it comes to reciprocal licensing, where you live matters more than where you hold an insurance license. This means that most state insurance departments differentiate between “home state” and other areas you hold licenses.

For example, if you live in Arizona and have a license to handle claims in this area, it is your home state. But if you also have a license in Oklahoma to handle claims, you are considered a non-resident adjuster in that area. If you want to move to another state, such as Texas, you would have to ensure that Texas had reciprocity with Arizona—not Oklahoma. (Hint: It does.)

Reciprocity Does Not Mean You Don’t Have to Apply or Follow Regulation

Another thing to know about reciprocal licensing is that it does not mean you don’t have to apply for a license. Rather, it allows you to bypass taking a pre-licensing course and/or exam. You will still be required to pass any pertinent background checks, fill out a questionnaire, and pay an annual fee. In some areas, you might also be required to be bonded for a certain amount. However, the time saved by not having to sit in a class or study course materials and the ability to refrain from having to take an exam is usually a positive aspect for most adjusters.

Some States Are Somewhat Better for Reciprocity

It’s true that some states are somewhat better for reciprocal licensing. The Department of Insurance in each state is ultimately responsible for determining which licenses they accept on a reciprocal basis, as not all states work together. This means that it is better to move to an area that offers reciprocity with a larger number of other states in order to ensure that your license is valid in the new location. It also requires you to double check who your current home state has reciprocity with before you try to make a license change.

Not All States Require Licensing and Not All States Are Reciprocal

It is also important to note that not all states require licensing and not all states are reciprocal. Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, North Dakota, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia do not require adjuster licensing. In addition, California, Hawaii, and New York do not offer reciprocal licensing for adjusters and require that you start the process from scratch after moving.

Reciprocal insurance licensing can be a great bonus when starting a job in a new area. However, it is important to not assume anything and instead determine your options by talking to the Department of Insurance in each location.