Aaron Hamming, Director of Data Analytics and Technology, Risk Management DepartmentProAssurance elevates healthcare risk management through proactive strategies that help practices mitigate legal, financial, and reputational risks. The result is a healthcare environment that is both safe and fully compliant.
As an industry-leading specialty insurer with extensive expertise in medical professional liability, ProAssurance utilizes innovative tools that are purpose-built to uncover risks and transform them into opportunities for growth.
ProAssurance employs cutting-edge technology and a data-driven approach to thoroughly examine the specific risks faced by its insureds and create tailored risk management strategies. Whether serving large health systems, hospitals, physician practices, clinics, or ancillary care providers, ProAssurance paves the way for safety and advancement.
“We support our insureds by engaging in close, collaborative interactions that foster a deep understanding of their distinct challenges and needs,” says Aaron Hamming, director of data analytics and technology in the risk management department.
ProAssurance maintains a dynamic, multi-channel support system to engage with insureds effectively. A key communication avenue is its dedicated risk management helpline, which provides a fast, responsive way for clients to contact the insurer’s risk management team. Powered by advanced data-driven technological tools, ProAssurance has significantly accelerated response times, resolving 93 percent of inquiries on the same day.
Another innovative initiative is the new Annual Baseline Self Assessment (ABSA).
We support our insureds by engaging in close, collaborative interactions that foster a deep understanding of their unique challenges and needs
This comprehensive survey captures feedback from all levels of the practice—from physicians and staff to part-time front desk personnel—using tailored and anonymous questions based on roles. The only identifiable aspect of the assessment is when physicians or clinicians participate for a potential premium discount, which requires tracking. However, ProAssurance keeps participation separate from responses, safeguarding confidentiality.
The responses from each practice are carefully compiled to produce an ABSA feedback report with overall scores for the key areas. The report also drills down to pinpoint aspects that may have contributed to issues in a specific area.
The powerful visual and quantitative representation highlights areas for improvement that practices may already be aware of, as well as those that may not have been on the practice manager’s radar. For instance, if a practice receives a low score in documentation, the report breaks down the specific factors contributing to this, signalling opportunities for improvement.
When such opportunities are identified, ProAssurance will offer an array of continuing medical education offerings and other resources to support ongoing learning and development. It also delivers a wealth of resources to support their journey of growth. For instance, if feedback shows that referrals are being missed or not followed up on, ProAssurance may provide tracking resources or other strategies for enhancing follow up.
A dedicated risk management consultant is also available to insureds for personalized follow-up consultations. They connect with the practice manager to collaboratively identify solutions to elevate operations.
In a notable case, ABSA responses revealed that some staff felt rushed and that practice management was not acknowledging their safety-related feedback. ProAssurance’s consultants used this data to facilitate discussions, encouraging the practice to establish a culture where feedback is heard and valued. This outside perspective allowed the client to align with staff perceptions, significantly enhancing trust and patient safety.
ProAssurance aims to offer year-over-year comparisons with the ABSA process, delivering a clear, visual representation of progress over time. The data, segmented by specialty, practice size, and region, will unlock benchmarking opportunities. For instance, a family practice in Michigan can be evaluated against similar practices, pinpointing specific risks and opportunities for growth. This proactive data-driven approach will rewrite the playbook, equipping healthcare practices to actively mitigate risks for sustained success.
Designed to mitigate the complex risks of modern healthcare, ProAssurance consistently delivers exceptional value and support, guiding clients on their journey to establish and sustain a secure operational environment.
