Mitchell issues first quarter 2019 Industry Trends Report

Simply put, 5G may result in a massive increase in connected devices that respond almost instantly – impacting connected cars, healthcare sensors, thermostats and other devices. “5G has significant implications for the entire auto physical damage ecosystem,” noted Sun. “As the number of sensors in vehicles increases, the data they produce may collect details of collision damage, which in aggregate can help manufacturers improve vehicle designs, carriers price coverage appropriately and collision repair facilities accomplish proper and safe repairs.” With 5G, connected cars will have vastly enhanced capabilities to interact with car-to-car and car-to-infrastructure networks. The time required to charge electronic vehicles should be reduced, making these cars more practical for long-distance driving. The safety and operability of autonomous cars may likewise be significantly improved. In healthcare, 5G can put the Internet of Things into hyperdrive, for much more sophisticated remote monitoring of patients, improved safety and a more personalized approach to care. 5G can also drive the development of super-precise robots for remote and/or more accurate performance of surgeries and other procedures. Read the entire report to learn how tomorrow’s innovations may come faster than expected. The Auto Physical Damage Edition: OEMs Innovate for Environmental Impact With transportation contributing to 27 percent of all greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S., automobile manufacturers are continually striving to upgrade manufacturing and engineering standards to reduce these emissions. In the article “OEM Efforts to Promote Environmental Stewardship,” Mitchell Director of Claims Performance, Ryan Mandell, shares how carmakers are making a positive impact on the environment with these innovations:

• Stepping up production of electric vehicles, with GM committed to bring 20 new electric vehicle models by 2023 as part of their vision of zero emissions
• Using aluminum for vehicle construction to reduce average gross vehicle weights to improve fuel economy, and lower energy consumption required in the manufacturing process
• Finding longevity in second-life applications for high voltage electric vehicle (EV) batteries
• Transforming the grounds around their facilities to nurture local wildlife

The latest Auto Physical Damage Industry Trends Report also includes Mitchell’s “Six Questions with Olivier Baudoux on Automation in Claims and Collision Repair.” Read the entire Auto Physical Damage Industry Trends Report.
 
The Casualty Edition: How Smart Automation Produces Stellar Claims Results
 
Selecting the right technology solutions can be overwhelming. In “The Power of Technology: Six Ways to Improve Casualty Claim Outcomes,” author Shahin Hatamian, Mitchell Vice President of Product Management, points out, “Technology-powered automation for claims processing pays off primarily in two areas: efficiency and consistency.”
 
With the technology available today, claims organizations could further advance their automation strategies, including increasing straight through processing rates, depending on their individual efficiency goals. Decisions made through automated rules that incorporate best practices, deliver consistent decisions, and bring key insights to the surface for the attention of adjusters.
 
Not only can outcomes and efficiency be improved, but the user experience for adjusters can be improved with automation as well. Automated systems produce valuable data that drive informed decisions and identify areas where corrections are needed. The data generated from these technology systems also enable users to compare their experience and results across the industry, providing insights into performance. By following Hatamian’s six tips, claims organizations can harness technology to achieve better outcomes.
 
“The Art of Creating a Physician Peer Review Panel: Contracting and Training,” part two of a series, advises that a structured monitoring and mentoring process is the key for onboarding and training the new physician advisor. “Specialized software systems can deliver a seamless approach for contracting with physician advisors,” say coauthors, Jackie Payne, Vice President, Medical Management Services, and Karen Atkins, Senior Director of Physician Advisor and Peer Review Operations at Mitchell. “It can produce documentation for auditing purposes, track re-credentialing activities, and shorten the time required for audits with URAC and other accrediting bodies.”
 
“It’s important to have the medical director involved not only in the interview process, but also in the training program as well. Peer-to-peer communication between the physician advisor and the medical director establishes a rapport that supports ongoing conversations about quality care and medical decisions,” the authors also advise.
 
The latest Casualty Industry Trends Report also includes Mitchell’s “Directed Pharmacy Care Drive Positive Results” and “2018 Recap and 2019 Predictions: P&C Regulatory and Legislative Changes.” Read the entire Casualty Industry Trends Report.