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Data Sharing Project

Several Uses of PIAA Data Sharing Project Information

General Overview

The PIAA Data Sharing Project (DSP) is a major on-going claim study, which currently includes 22 PIAA member companies submitting claims data semi-annually.  The DSP contains information on closed claims and suits, and open suits that have been open for one year.  This effort, which began in 1985, has accumulated more than 274,000 claims and suits, of which over 93% are closed.  Of the closed claims, approximately 27% are closed with an indemnity payment.  The system includes claims against physicians, dentists, other healthcare providers and professional corporations.

The goals of Data Sharing have been consistent throughout the 25 years of the Project.  The major goal of the accumulation of Data Sharing information is to provide member companies with detailed and credible information for use in risk management programs, which are aimed at reducing the incidence of patient injury and thereby reducing physician exposure to claims.  To aid in this endeavor, the PIAA produces semi-annual and annual reports providing annual and cumulative statistics derived from the data reported. 

DSP Information Utility

The information and data derived from the PIAA DSP has vast utility for risk management, claims management, underwriting, marketing, and lobbying efforts.

Risk Management – The DSP provides risk managers with detailed information to develop new patient safety programs or to supplement risk management programs that are already in place.  Data is provided in slide presentations, for comparison of company information versus national information, and in the form of publications to insureds.  Primary information includes prevalent errors, and medical misadventures that result in claims, specialty-specific claim information, and trends highlighting problem areas.

Claims Management – PIAA DSP information can be extremely useful to claims department personnel.  It can be used to show individual basic claim information in comparison to national data and to help accurately assess claim payment amounts by specialty.  It is also a valuable tool in the claims appeals process, providing critical evidence in support of arguments to set aside or reduce large verdicts.  Basic claim information can be derived from the data including indemnity and expense information.  In addition, available reports show the average indemnity payment for all claims as well as an analysis of expenses for claims that are closed with and without indemnity payments, as well as open claims.  The expenses are further broken down to show payment to defense attorney, expert witnesses and other expenses.

Underwriting – DSP data can help identify emerging issues in medical liability when unusually high or low surges of claims are identified in certain specialties, procedures, or conditions contained in the database.  One of the most useful items for Underwriters is the comparison of average indemnity payments by specialty.  By looking at annual payment trends, it is possible to look at the specialty groups whose average payments are rising faster than others or the overall average.  This can give underwriters a "heads up" approach in watching the experience and making risk evaluation decisions.

Marketing – DSP data can augment data as well serve as a direct information resource for policyholders.  The DSP provides insurance carriers with the ability to cite the nationwide experience of physician-owned carriers when answering insured questions.  Special requests can produce an unlimited amount of supplemental information for loss prevention programs as well as for policyholders who are interested in loss prevention or research.  The PIAA can assist a physician policyholder who is requesting data for research or supplemental background material for a lecture or speech.  Prompt assistance with accurate data requests is an indirect marketing advantage, because the direct service is provided by the member company and the PIAA.
 
Lobbying – The PIAA DSP has been utilized extensively in federal advocacy efforts.  Widely used in testimony 10 times before the House and Senate, DSP claim payment and disposition information has disputed the erroneous allegations of the opponents of tort reform.  The PIAA receives regular requests for data from House and Senate staff to support legislative initiatives, and in fact the PIAA is the only organization collecting this data and bringing it to Capitol Hill.  As such, DSP data is relied upon for tort reform bills.  DSP information has also been used in state efforts in Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, Vermont, Connecticut, Nevada, and Texas.