CHRRG provides a full range of claims management services for claims or potential claims arising out of alleged professional liability and/or general liability of its insureds. Claims management focuses on two distinct areas: claims resulting in litigation and precautionary matters.

Once CHRRG is notified of a lawsuit or asserted claim, services include the following:

• Coverage determination

• Notification of the insured, assignment of approved defense counsel, coordination of outside counsel's activities in defense of the claim

• Investigation of the alleged facts and circumstances, including gathering pertinent medical records and supporting literature, and conducting fact-finding interviews

• Hiring of appropriate expert witnesses

• Management of the case through legal proceedings, including the Medical Review Panel, state court action and appeal

• Approval, monitoring and payment of attorney fees and litigation expenses

• Obtaining consent to settle from the insured, when appropriate

• Attendance at mediation and trial

• Continual evaluation of the case as it progresses, including settlement and/or appellate issues

• Preparation of reports to the Indiana Department of Insurance, National Practitioners Data Bank, and other entities as required by law

• Preparation of claims histories and verification of insurance for credentialing and licensing bodies

CHRRG Claims Management also evaluates and coordinates precautionary matters. These are claims or incidents that might reasonably result in litigation. Many claims can be settled by early evaluation and direct negotiations with the claimant, as well as prompt attention to and payment of the claimant's medical expenses and other out-of-pocket costs related to the alleged event. Ultimately, prompt handling of meritorious precautionary matters results in a substantial reduction of both indemnity and expense payments. The following tools are used in this process:

• Early intervention in the claim process

• Early investigation of the merits of the claim

• Reasonable offer of compensation may be made directly to the claimant

• Pre-suit mediation when appropriate

CHRRG Claims Management works with CHRRG Risk Management to evaluate claims for trending, frequency and severity. Claims histories may prompt additional risk management assessments or recommendations. Claims data is also used in the CHRRG underwriting process to evaluate physician applicants for eligibility and rating purposes.