Practice management

Celent investigates insurers' tactical responses to the recession, finding the streamlining of processes to be their No. 1 focus.

Life and annuity carriers can now join P&C carriers on WikonnecT, CSC’s business-to-business social networking site.

Insurer widens sales of hybrid upgrade auto insurance as part of its Prestige Auto Premier policy.

Farmers Insurance Group and Zurich in North America take to the road to help customers prepare for catastrophes.

Numerous public opinion polls show dissatisfaction with insurers; health carriers hit hard, P&C has room for improvement.

Health insurer UnitedHealthcare has teamed with delivery system Centura Health to launch telemedicine programs in rural areas of Colorado.

Additionally, ScotiaLife Financial will now offer two new life and health products.

Insurers should attempt to increase customer penetration and retention as a means of expanding market share.

A new report suggests that customers who rely on electronic billing and payment services are more loyal, and may be more inclined to purchase additional insurance products.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) currently is weighing all the options, but no ruling is expected until December.

E-onboarding helps new dentists join the CIGNA network faster, reducing time filling out paperwork by more than 85%.

Insurers can learn from best practices in the retail industry, where companies know the value of looking after the customer.

The password-protected eligibility tool is accessible through Zurich Integrated Products unit’s Web site.

Know of an insurer, agency or brokerage that led or contributed to an innovative business application, innovation or project? Nominate them for the 3rd annual award program.

The AskBlue site is designed for individuals who are uninsured, unemployed, have lost employer-based coverage or are not eligible for group benefits.

Rather than cutting costs to deal with the economy, insurers should focus on distribution channels, customer service and eliminating non-value added work.

Insurers should shift the focus of their ads from feel-good messages to what really matters to their customers.

Respondents in a Consumer Reports survey say Amica Mutual Group, USAA Group and the Chubb Group top the list of carriers offering satisfactory claims services.

Social networking has infiltrated consumers' lives, and insurers are using it to alter brand images.

As merits of the technology improve, life insurers are implementing e-signatures to achieve a competitive advantage.