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Browser-Based Technology Transforms
the Claims Process 
By Brian Mack, vice president of marketing
at Valley Oak Systems, Inc.
Many companies today are under
intense pressure to improve the
efficiency of their claims operations.
Settling and paying claims is a
core business process. It is also the single
greatest expense in insurance,
including self-insurance, yet many companies
are still struggling to achieve a
mastery of the claims process. The main
problems include inefficient workflow;
lack of real-time information; and more
information to manage.
Inefficiency has been a major source
of loss and waste for companies managing
claims, and since claim departments
often lack technology to track
urgent claims and monitor risk levels,
problem areas are not always brought
to the attention of appropriate decision
makers in a timely manner. The
increasing quantity of information to
manage is also a major problem. The
coordination of disparate "silos" of
information has become more complicated
with new regulations and claims
handling procedures.
That's why it is necessary that the
industry move to the "next" generation
of claims management systems.
The use of innovative technology can
help to remedy these critical areas. In
fact, new browser-based technology
like iVOS™ from Valley Oak Systems
has provided a powerful new
weapon to dramatically increase productivity,
improve claims outcomes,
and share vital information among
members of the claims process.
Browser-based technology does not
have to run over the Internet; it can
run over a company's own network
or intranet. The system is referred to
as "browser-based" because the only
thing an end-user needs to run the
application is a browser - which
today is pre-packaged on most workstations.
Browser-based software
requires no middleware to run, making
it more cost-effective, secure, and
an overall improved application
model. Browser-based claims administration
systems can provide:
Integrated Functionality Efficiency
and productivity can significantly
increase when claims functions are
consolidated into a single-solution
claims system. This means the developer
has taken the time to carefully
combine all necessary functions into
one application - including email,
claim-related correspondence, forms,
and a medical bill review component.
Instant Connectivity & Real-time
Notification Many companies today
have employees, managers and executives
distributed across the country.
These organizations rely on the instant
connectivity and real-time access to
information that browser-based technology
provides. By programming using
browser-based business rules, risk
managers can also receive immediate
notification of the latest, most critical
losses; facilitate immediate claims
response, and improve their overall
ability to control costs and outcomes.
Transparent Consolidation of
Information With browser-based technology,
the management of information
also remains transparent. Instead of having
to access multiple programs or websites,
users simply retrieve what they
need from one convenient location -
saving time, money, and hassle. The
iVOS™ claims management system is a
good example of a system that seamlessly
integrates various data - the latest
compensation rates, medical bill pricing
schedules, and PPO contracts for workers
compensation - into one system.
Today, companies that utilize browserbased
technology like iVOS™ have significantly
improved the efficiency of their
claims process. The transparent consolidation
of claims handling functions and
data resources has been critical to
increasing the productivity and workflow
of claims professionals. In the future, risk
managers utilizing browser-based technology,
business rules and real-time notification,
will stay better informed of losses,
and can therefore institute cost control
and risk management strategies that
significantly improve their bottom lines.
Brian Mack is vice president of marketing
at Valley Oak Systems, Inc., a national provider
of comprehensive claims management and
risk management systems, headquartered
in Alamo, California. Valley Oak Systems offers
a browser-based claims management
system called, iVOS™, for more information,
visit www.valleyoak.com.
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Kevin Confetti