WC Insurer Starts Web Info Service
By Mark E. Ruquet
NU Online News Service, Feb. 22, 2:46 p.m. EST?A Milwaukee workers' compensation carrier said it will supply agents with client information more rapidly by using a secure Internet system.
United Heartland, a writer of high-end workers' compensation policies in Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa, said it has launched "Inside UH," designed to supply agents and clients with account information over the Internet.
While others have worked to develop their Web-based offerings for the purposes of sales, United Heartland instead decided to make information the primary focus of its online service, said Emil Pfenninger, United Heartland's president.
Monthly loss reports, accident claim forms and information on safety equipment or other workplace safety issues are now available online to be printed or downloaded. Clients also can obtain updated provider information and a medical provider directory, United Heartland said.
Tom Holman, vice president of operations, said the biggest hurdle the company had to face was security. The secure site requires user identification and a password to access.
The system, said Mr. Pfenninger, also allows the company to disseminate information faster and more efficiently. "Inside UH" keeps track of the e-mails of agents within the 125 independent agencies appointed by the company.
In the past, he said, reports sent to an agency could take weeks before getting circulated into the hands of the right agent– or would be lost. Now, the information appears directly on their desktop.
"This is a much better communication link between us and them," Mr. Pfenninger said.
Mr. Holman said the company plans to meet with focus groups after the system has been in operation for a time to determine what the next steps should be.
On the drawing board, Mr. Pfenninger said, is agent billing account information and possibly a premium audit process, but these concepts are still in development.
United Heartland, Inc., is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cobalt Corporation, the Blue Cross and Blue Shield licensee based in Milwaukee, Wis.
More information is available at www.cobaltcorporation.com
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