What's ahead of us?
Change, change and more change?
April 1st 2010. Blog. Jason Powell, CEO.
I’ve only been involved in the Personal Injury sector for 4 years but even in that time we’ve lived through the Woollard Fowler event, the implementation of VAT legislation, the MROA Agreement, various consultation papers and now the MOJ Reforms. All of these events have at some stage predicted the end of the PI sector but MROs (medical reporting organizations) have not only survived these events, but in some cases have even flourished as a result of them.
Jason Powell, CEO, Premier Medical Group
I still maintain that the MROA agreement in May 2007 was the best cure for the MRO sector even if it inevitably signaled the end of some MROs; by setting a ceiling price for medical opinion it forced MRO’s to change their business model from an essentially “funding” basis to the one we have now, where successful MROs are investing in technologies that enable the PI sector to operate more efficiently. In the last two years alone we’ve seen the ubiquity of electronic reports and electronic valuation directly from medical reports, even electronic settlement has been successfully piloted. I am delighted that the PMG clinic appointment model for arranging medical consultations is being copied across the board and is now the minimum standard within our sector. See our media presentation with Dr. Harry Brunjes, Chairman.
Having lead the industry with most of these innovations (the PMG clinic appointment model is over 15 years old!) it was with some pride that we were able to demonstrate these innovations to Lord Jackson as part of his consultation paper. Some people have suggested there is little value in the MRO model but I of course would disagree, and would challenge any rational person to visit any of the leading MROs and suggest otherwise. The modern, technology led, customer focused MRO is in my opinion vital to the efficient working of the PI Sector. The proof is that none of the innovations I have discussed above would have materialized without the commitment, vision and investment of MROs.
At this point I would like to recognize the efforts of a very special individual. There is nothing harder than selling a new idea or business concept into a skeptical market.; six years ago, with the support of his business partner Dr Andrew Cohen, Eric Baygot did just that. When doors were shut in his face, he found another angle until two years ago he got his break. A deal with Premier Medical ensured the ubiquity of the WARP report (over 50% of all RTA reports in the UK use WARP software) but also forced others to follow in his lead. We now have Corex, Xport and Grip as other standards and I believe this can be directly traced back to the efforts of Eric. WARP continues to be the standard bearer for electronic reporting and continues to innovate, improving both process and consistency; it won’t be long before we see Orthopedic and other types of reports. Eric retired from WARP in December 2009 and we wish him well for the future.
So what do we have to look forward to?
I think change has become the only constant in the PI sector. I’m sure there will be more consolidation, more bankruptcies and more innovation; those of us that embrace this change will I’m sure remain successful and those that don’t will have their own issues to deal with.
And finally; AMRO our trade body has been around for some time. Recently many of us, including myself, have questioned the direction of travel for this important organization. Under the stewardship of Ian Medforth and Mathew Game I’m convinced that AMRO will be able to demonstrate its importance to the sector as a representative for all of the industry in relation to what best practice looks like. The collection of medical opinion is often the only time two people come face to face to discuss the events that led to an injury occurring. This is a vital step in the process and should be enshrined as an entirely independent consultation between clinician and injured party. The industry should also be able to trust that the information passed on as a result of the consultation is expressed as it was by the clinician and has not been tampered with in any way. This is essential for the credibility of MROs and I look forward to AMRO standing as the kite-mark for best practice in future.
Jason Powell
CEO
Premier Medical Group
I agree that there has been significant change and consolidation within MRO in the last 10 years, almost all of it for the better. Further change is inevitable as you mention within your article, and I think we need not be weary of this.
The introduction of IT, in my opinion, has been the most important change that has taken place. It has significantly changed the whole PI process and improved the service offered to the claimant both in terms of quality and speed.
I would like to echo your praise of Eric and Lorna Baygot and Dr Andrew Cohen in terms of their contribution to the IT development of report writing.
I fully agree with Jason that the change in medical reporting over the last 2 years has been quite dramatic. As a medico-legal expert, I was initially sceptical about standardizing reports and using computer software which may not adequately reflect our cases, particularly complex ones. Within a few months of using WARP, it was clear that it could easily adapt to our needs as assessors and the needs of clients, despite a few minor problems, which are quickly resolved.
I am pleased that Premier Medical decided to support and implement change in medical reporting, and as a result, it is ahead of all other competitors.
I’ll be watching this blog closely as Jason has an unparalleled insight and forethought when it comes to the world of personal injury. Whilst the “story so far” is fascinating I continue to look to him to lead us in “what is to come”, particularly in the face of the extensive reforms which will affect the sector. Bring on the next instalment!
Jason’s blog is a superb summary of the huge changes that have occured in the sector over the last few years. Electronic reporting using WARP has been a manifest improvement in service provision. PMG and WARP should be commended on leading the way in this area.
Jason has provided an accurate and excellent account of what has been an exciting and ever evolving period for this sector. WARP has revolutionised the reporting process for doctors, improving both accuracy and expedition of providing medical reports. I have absolutely no doubt both PMG and WARP will continue to excel in this arena, and lead the way ahead for new and innovative changes yet to come.
Having been a management consultant before becoming a doctor, I commend the integration of technology into medicine and feel that PMG ( with the use of WARP) has transformed the PI process, driving efficiency in terms of report delivery. With further innovations in process I believe PMG will continue to remain market leaders in the PI arena.