Will we save money with The Vertical Advantage?
It is far less expensive to let VCM manage your claims than to do it in-house. In fact many healthcare facilities cannot afford to pay for their own claims department with the level of expertise offered through VCM. VCM offers claims management on a flat fee per year. Based on prior 3 years experience, VCM will set a fee based on your individual facilities' number of claims.

Who will provide data for risk management?
With our interactive, real-time, internet based claims management system, VCM and its customers have 24-hour access to all data.

Do you require a minimum authority to settle the first $25,000?
No. It’s your money, and while most TPA’s demand that a customer hand over authority to settle, Vertical Clams Management leaves the choice to keep authority to settle with you. We will come to you for authority from the first settlement dollar through the last.

Who will provide a needs analysis for services?
VCM will help any healthcare facility to assess their in-house claims needs, and how VCM can provide support services. Our initial analysis of the system is free of charge.

Who will manage the claims and litigation?
VCM will handle everything from the initial investigation of the claim all the way through litigation including managing lawyers and witnesses all the way to the end.

Who will provide loss runs?
VCM will provide quarterly loss runs for each hospital and go over the most recent activity in the last quarter.

Can I still use my in-house claims department?
Absolutely. The Vertical Advantage is all about flexibility. If there is an in-house claims department, you decide whether to keep some of the claims in-house and ship out litigation or any combination that works best for each hospital.

Can I keep my panel counsel?
VCM understands how important relationships are. Unlike many TPA’s, Vertical Claims Management allows you to keep your panel defense counsel, and if you don’t have one, we would be glad to recommend one that is best suited to your hospital’s needs.

Who will set reserves?
Immediately upon opening a claim file, VCM will set initial reserves. These reserves will be set at our best estimate so as to be certain there are no $0.00 reserve amounts. Reserves are set in an amount reserved for indemnity and an amount reserved for expense. The VCM philosophy for reserve setting is to determine and maintain a final reserve for each claim within 6 to 12 months from the date VCM receives a claim or complaint for a claim in suit. Each program has final authority over reserve amount.

How does VCM fit in with my hospital?
In a word, flexibility. VCM is your only choice for customizable, fully adjustable, comprehensive claims management. VCM is ready to help you develop a succesful self-insured program with confidence.