Have you ever been working on a case or claim and suspected that there might be treatments that go beyond the information initially disclosed to you by a claimant? Whether a claimant has simply forgotten about past treatment or they’re strategically withholding the information in hopes of influencing the outcome of a case, medical canvassing can help you answer the question: Is there more information out there?
Medical canvassing is an investigative tool designed to uncover essential claimant information and medical treatment history. During a medical canvass, medical facilities within a specific geographic area are contacted to identify if a claimant was treated at that facility and if so, the dates on which that treatment occurred.
Medical canvassing can be used to verify information or potentially uncover unknown medical history. A detailed canvassing report helps you determine:
In the past, medical canvassing was primarily seen as just an investigative tool, but in recent years insurance carriers have come to realize its value in the adjusting and claims process. It’s a useful tool to employ under all lines of insurance associated with bodily injury claims (including worker’s compensation, automobile, and disability) because medical canvassing covers more than just hospitals and urgent care.
Firms can choose to canvass facilities such as pharmacies, dentist offices, chiropractors, gyms and health clubs, clinical laboratories, optometrists and more. Medical canvassing can help carriers verify legitimate claims sooner or save on further claims. And, once you’re ready to begin requesting records, you’ll be able to target providers that you know will have records.
Firms need the entire picture of a claimant’s medical treatment in order to make an informed decision and mitigate costs. With the information from a medical canvass, you’ll be more prepared to ask the right questions and eliminate the need for blanket record requests.