Wednesday, 27 September 2017

Achieving Exceptional Experiences For Michigan Auto No-Fault Claimants

Automobile accidents occur frequently and claimants experience both minor and catastrophic injuries stemming from auto accidents. In fact, the Association for Safe International Road Travel states that over two million people are disabled or injured in auto accidents in the United States each year. According to the Michigan State Police, there were over 74,000 auto-related injuries in 2015 in the state of Michigan alone. Insurance carriers face some challenges when it comes to these injuries within auto no-fault claims but also have the opportunity to provide exceptional experiences for their claimants.

The claims process can be rather complicated and a major source of frustration for claimants, especially when multiple parties are involved. Those auto no-fault claims involving claimants with catastrophic injuries contain additional complexities that an insurance company must take care to handle in an expedient and efficient manner. When claimants sustain injuries in an auto accident, they will experience a higher level of satisfaction when their insurance company offers the smoothest claims adjudication process possible.

An insurance company’s adjusters must ensure that all claimants are properly indemnified while simultaneously managing the cost of the overall claim and assuring that claimants are satisfied with the claims process. These important facets of an auto no-fault claim add to the administrative burden of adjusters which can ultimately increase the amount of time needed to complete a claim.

In order to ensure that claimants are indemnified and have an exceptional experience throughout an auto no-fault claim, insurance companies should consider working closely with a third-party administrator (TPA) such as Northwood. A TPA will be able to streamline the claims process for both claimants and adjusters by eliminating the need for claimants to pay out of pocket for auto-related expenses.

Northwood has curated an extensive network of providers that spans the entire United States, including Puerto Rico, to provide easy access to home health care services for claimants. When an injured claimant is prescribed medicine for their injury, for example, Northwood will ensure the prescription is auto-related before approving payment to the provider and the claimant will receive the required drugs without paying out of pocket. This pre-approval process is not only convenient for the claimant but also reduces this administrative burden for the adjuster. Claimants will receive their auto-related treatments more quickly and experience a higher level of satisfaction with their claim because of this pre-authorization process.

In addition, Northwood operates a call center for the convenience of claimants. The call center is staffed with highly trained personnel that help monitor claimant satisfaction. The staff members in the call center also provide language services for those claimants that may need assistance with translation which provides an added benefit to claimants.

By working with Northwood on automobile no-fault claims, insurance companies can rest assured that their claimants will have exceptional experiences. For more information on additional ways that Northwood assists with increasing claimant satisfaction, please contact Rosanne Brugnoni at 586-755-3830 ext. 3771. 

Sunday, 24 September 2017

Maintaining Good Health As We Age

In your 20s you felt on top of the world. In your mind you were invincible, able to take whatever came your way. As you began to leave your 30s and enter your 40s, the word invincible became less of a symbol of yourself and more of a wish. Aches and pains might have started setting in, you find recovery from injury might take longer, and some mornings your get up and go has got up and went without you. Getting older is a part of life. While there is nothing we can do with the aging process, there are steps that we can take to help ensure a healthier future.
Regular Check-ups
It is important as we age to visit the doctor to get a regular check-up. You speak with them about your family medical history, changes you’ve seen in your body and ability, and share with them any concerns that you have. Seeing the doctor regularly can help you realize where you are health-wise and track changes that your body goes through as you get older. You can track your weight and blood pressure, for example, to be alerted to any sudden changes.
Medication
As we age, we become a little more lax about taking our prescribed medicine as directed. The doctor will prescribe medication for blood pressure, blood sugar, or other conditions and some people figure it is more of a guideline than a rule. When medication is not taken regularly therapeutic doses cannot be maintained, and the medication will not be able to do its job properly. If the person is not honest with the doctor about how often they are really taking the medication the dosage may be adjusted if the doctor feels it’s not working. Then they are now taking the wrong amount, which could cause further issues.
Move It
It is very important to maintain mobility and flexibility for as long as possible. This can help prevent falls, lead to more enjoyment in life, and help a person maintain their independence. While you may or may not be able to run a four-minute mile still, making sure you get out for a walk, take an exercise class, or stay active with friends are all good ways to maintain your activity level.
Lifeline
Another important factor for healthy aging is to maintain relationships with family and friends. Sometimes older people have a tendency to close themselves off from others and become reclusive. By keeping in touch with family and friends, you will let someone else know how you are doing. Someone should be designated your emergency contact and have all of your medication information should it need to be given to a third party if you are unable.
Watch Each Other
If you have a significant other in your household, keep an eye on them to check for signs they are struggling. Sometimes people maintain the idea that they are “okay” when they are not because they don’t want to worry someone else. By checking in with each other and being honest about the challenges and changes that your body is going through you can help each other live the best life possible.
Visit our website at, https://www.northwoodinc.com