Health Insurance 2.0

Health Insurance 2.0 -- Social Media Resurrects Old-School Values

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC - Online leader striving to provide world-class customer service via Social Media.

Indianapolis, IN, December 19, 2009 -- There was a time when customers had to make personal visits to receive assistance. To make these tasks more convenient and cost-effective, companies developed automated systems to support customers 24/7. However, as popular radio host Clark Howard frequently comments, the result has been "customer no service."

With this development, companies are forgetting that customers are the critical element to business success.

HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC (HCCMIS) was recently featured in the article, "Old-line Companies Turn to Social Media for Marketing," as a leading company in the insurance industry that develops strong business and customer relationships through social media.

Muhammad Yasin, HCCMIS Client Relations Manager explains, "Our goal is to enhance the insurance experience with a deeply personal and timely communication style people have become accustomed to through social media."

For companies focusing on Health Insurance 2.0, this means proactively monitoring consumer sentiments and responding in a way that makes customers feel secure. Yasin states, "With the advent of internet and mobile technology, the world is shrinking rapidly. Resurrecting community-style relationships as people travel through their life adventure is something we are passionate about."

Recently, HCCMIS found a dissatisfied customer by monitoring the internet. They discovered that a medical center billed the customer twice. HCCMIS contacted the facility, arranged for customer reimbursement, and followed up with the customer via Twitter.

This is only one example of many where HCCMIS is striving to provide world-class customer service via Social Media.

About HCCMIS
HCC Medical Insurance Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HCC), a leading international specialty insurance group with offices across the United States and in the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland. HCC has assets of $9.0 billion, shareholders' equity of $3.0 billion and is rated AA (Very Strong) by Standard & Poor's and AA (Very Strong) by Fitch Ratings. In addition, HCC's major domestic insurance companies are rated A+ (Superior) by A.M. Best Company.

Contact Information
HCC Medical Insurance Services, LLC
Bryant Tutterow
317-221-8037
btutterow@hccmis.com
www.hccmis.com

Ohio Scientists Determine Asbestos Causes Cancer

LegalView Reports Development of a Breakthrough Study Explaining How Asbestos Causes Mesothelioma Cancer

LegalView recently reported of a study by scientists at Ohio State University who are attempting to determine the molecular details of how asbestos fibers bind to human cancer cells. The scientists hope that with the study, they will eventually be able to produce more adequate mesothelioma treatments.

Denver, CO, January 01 -- LegalView.com, the most comprehensive legal resource available on the Internet, recently informed its mesothelioma information blog readers of the development of a breakthrough study by Ohio State University researchers as to how asbestos fibers bind to human cells to cause the deadly condition known as mesothelioma. The scientists will be using a method known as atomic force microscopy "to observe how a single asbestos fiber binds with a specific receptor protein on cell surfaces," according to a Dec. 22 Science Daily news article. Although the study is years away from being complete, scientists hope that one day they may be able to offer a better understanding of the development of the condition, which will result in a more comprehensive knowledge of the disease and more adequate treatments.

Mesothelioma cancer is a condition that occurs in individuals who have inhaled asbestos fibers and/or dust. The condition causes cancerous cells to form on the internal lining of the lungs and, after 10 to 30 years, signs and symptoms of the condition begin to develop. Because mesothelioma cancer remains largely in a dormant state for the duration of its life in a victim, by the time its symptoms develop it is often untreatable.

Individuals who suffer from the deadly cancer should consider speaking with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer as to the details surrounding a potential mesothelioma lawsuit. Such a meeting could benefit anyone suffering from mesothelioma symptoms by resulting in monetary compensation, which may assist a victim in receiving expensive and potentially life-saving treatments.

LegalView also offers an array of other legal topics available through its LegalView library. For example, the site has made available the latest information on brain injury treatments as well as information on controversial prescription drugs such as Chantix and Singulair, which have both been linked to suicidal thoughts and tendencies among patients, according to U.S. Food and Drug Administration reports.

LegalView recently updated its TBI information portal with a new therapy known as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which is often used among divers when bends occur. However, new research is finding that HBOT may offer success among brain injured victims by administering the therapy among U.S. soldiers as a brain injury treatment. To learn more of the treatment, visit the LegalView brain injury information portal at http://brain-injury.legalview.com/.

Both Chantix and Singulair have been linked to an increase of behavioral and mood disorders as well as depression, increased suicidal tendencies, thoughts and actions; although both drugs treat very different conditions. Chantix is a smoking cessation drug that has been prescribed to nearly 4 million U.S. citizens whereas Singulair is used to treat allergies and asthma among Americans. If a victim suffers from either the Chantix risks or the Singulair side effects, they are encouraged to locate an experienced pharmaceutical attorney for assistance on developing a potential class action lawsuit.

About LegalView

LegalView.com is a public service brought to you by Legal WebTV Network, LLC, a Limited Liability Corporation created by a group of the nation's most highly respected law firms: Anapol Schwartz; Brent Coon and Associates; Burg Simpson; Cohen, Placitella and Roth; James F. Humphreys and Associates; Lopez McHugh; and Thornton and Naumes. For more information on the accomplishments and track records of LegalView.com's superior sponsoring law firms and to get in touch with LegalView attorneys, visit LegalView at www.LegalView.com.

Contact Information
LegalView
Katie Kelley
720-226-6613
press-releases@legalview.com
http://mesothelioma.legalview.com

Personal Property Insurance Coverage Expands

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. Launches New Website to Expand Personal Property Coverage

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co., a leading personal property insurance company, recently launched a new website, expanding personal property coverage to a wider range of agents & policyholders.

Baltimore, MD, January 02, 2010 -- Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, a leading personal property insurance company providing fire and smoke insurance, tornado insurance, hurricane insurance and more, has recently launched its new website, http://www.imfco.net.

The launch of the new website marks two important milestones for Independent Mutual. Not only does it allow Independent Mutual to experience more accelerated growth on a national level, but the new website also gives Independent Mutual the ability to offer its products and services to both captive and independent agents.

"Our top priorities at Independent Mutual have always been flexibility and fairness towards policyholders and agents alike," reports Scott Sauls, Vice President of Field Support at Independent Mutual. "The website will allow us to offer our personal property insurance products and services to a wider audience. In doing so, we will continue to focus on providing superior levels of customer service to both policy holders and agents."

According to Sauls, the new website offers innovative features that will enable Independent Mutual to offer an unprecedented level of customer service. "Both agents and policyholders can log into customized portals and receive 24/7 access to view the status of their claims reports and adjustments," he says. "We employ real-time claims adjustment technology and provide agents with the ability to instantly quote and issue policies right from their desktop through our AgenTreeT system."

"The new website offers an exciting opportunity for Independent Mutual to provide agents and policyholders with greater fairness and accuracy through the use of technology," Sauls says. For more information about Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, please visit http://www.imfco.net or call 800-248-7072.

About Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Established in 1948 and headquartered in Cook County, Illinois, Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company has been a leader in personal property insurance for over sixty years. Independent Mutual's Executive Office is located in Baltimore, Maryland and offers flexible, comprehensive personal property coverage throughout the United States.

Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Co. is rated as A- (Excellent) by A.M. Best Company. Known for its modest underwriting leverage, irrefutable market expertise, solid investment earnings and long-standing presence in the home service fire and burglary market sector, Independent Mutual provides personal property insurance to policyholders regardless of income or credit history. For more information about the personal property coverage offered by Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company, please visit http://www.imfco.net or call 800-248-7072.

Contact Information
Independent Mutual Fire Insurance Company
Scott Sauls
800-248-7072
imfconet@gmail.com
www.imfco.net

 

Mesothelioma Cancer Advocate, Doctor, and Volunteers Recognized

Mesothelioma Doctor, Advocate and Volunteers Recognized by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will present three awards at the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma on Friday, June 26th in Washington, DC. This year's award recipients include Dr. Robert Taub, Terry Lynch, and Craig & Shelly Kozicki. Galvanizing our community's tremendous diversity, talent, strength and knowledge is the key to developing more effective mesothelioma treatments and, one day, the cure. I am proud to be a part of this vibrant and dedicated community and I applaud this year's award recipients

Santa Barbara, CA (PRWEB) June 22, 2009 -- To recognize the extensive studies, long hours and personal investment of those involved in eradicating mesothelioma, the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation will present three awards at the Gala Celebration of Hope on Friday June 26th, day two of the International Symposium on Malignant Mesothelioma, to be held Thursday, June 25th through Saturday, June 27th at the Omni Shoreham, in Washington, DC.

"Galvanizing our community's tremendous diversity, talent, strength and knowledge is the key to developing more effective mesothelioma treatments and, one day, the cure. I am proud to be a part of this vibrant and dedicated community and I applaud this year's award recipients," says Dr. Nicholas Vogelzang, Chairman of the Meso Foundation's Board of Directors.

The Pioneer Award emphasizes the contributions of Dr. Robert Taub, MD PhD, whose treatment protocols and vision have shown remarkable results and have been the basis of hope for many mesothelioma patients; The Bruce Vento Hope Builder Award, named for the late Minnesota Congressman who died from mesothelioma in 2000, acknowledges the support and initiatives of Terry Lynch, International Vice President, Political & Legislative Director and Health Hazard Administrator of the International Association of Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers; and The Volunteer of the Year Award honors Craig and Shelly Kozicki for being an inspiration to the mesothelioma community through their continued dedication in raising research funds and providing support and hope to others faced with mesothelioma. Craig, who had been diagnosed with mesothelioma in 1998, died in May of this year.

The Symposium, organized annually by the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, will highlight the latest advances in research and treatment for patients and caregivers, offer psychosocial support to them as well as those who have lost someone to the disease, and provide all who are intent on eradicating the vicious and terminal effects of this tragic cancer with significant advocacy and volunteer opportunities. The three-day conference is dedicated to mesothelioma science, advocacy, and community.

Those wishing to attend can register for the symposium and get additional information on the Meso Foundation's website.

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation is the national non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma by funding mesothelioma research, providing mesothelioma patients support services and participating in federal mesothelioma advocacy. Visit www.curemeso.org for more information.

CONTACT INFORMATION
Maja Belamaric
Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (Meso Foundation)
(805) 456-7272

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Asbestos Bondage Studied

Asbestos Fiber Links With The Human Cells

2009-06-07 (WiredPRNews.com - Mesothelioma Asbestos, Press Releases)Dallas, TX: The Ohio University team of scientists are trying to establish individual bondage of the asbestos fiber and the human cell. There are two major forms , under their observation. Both of these forms are linked with the exposure of asbestos. Those people, who work at the asbestos job sites are the main targets. The onset takes place due to the inhalation or the swallowing of the tiny, microscopic fibers. These two forms of diseases are:

Asbestosis: It's a chronic respiratory disease. The attack is on the respiratory track, and it proves fatal. No cure has been discovered so far.

Mesothelioma: This infection can be of the lungs, chest or of the heart. There is no cure for this disease, too, and the prognosis is of six to twelve months, once the symptoms appear.

Asbestos occurs in six different forms, in nature, all these forms have proved deadly. Due to its qualities of durability and high resistance, it was widely used in a number of industries, till the first half of the last century. By the year 1940, it was totally banned in about forty countries of Europe and the United States, but asbestos is still present inn the manufactured stuff and is considered dangerous to human life. The breaking of the asbestos-related goods and the demolition of old buildings and structures, spread the dust and the fiber into the open atmosphere.

The team of scholars is using the 'Atomic Force Microscopy' to study, as to how a single fiber, during the exposure, after inhaling, clings itself with the cell surface of the lining of the organs.

One of the research candidates, has described this study as a type of 'braille work between the two ends of this bondage and says that the scientists will feel and observe, how the asbestos links with the human cells.

The U.S, Department of labor estimates about 1.3 million people will be the target of this disease in the coming years. This is the number of the labor exposed to asbestos, from 1960s up to '80s.

 

 

Medical Brokers Launches Medical Businesses and Real Estate Website

United Medical Brokers Launches Website Dedicated to Purchase and Sale of Medical Related Businesses and Real Estate

New York, NY, April 01, 2009 -- United Medical Brokers announced its nationwide launch today from its corporate headquarters. United Medical Brokers www.unitedmedicalbrokers.com is now offering nationwide brokerage services for buyers and sellers of medical practices, medical related businesses, and medical related real estate.

The company is a division of Bridge Business and Property Brokers which is a leading business brokerage firm. Bridge was recently named to the INC 500 list of fastest growing companies. Currently there is no firm that offers nationwide support for buyers and sellers of medical related businesses.

United will maintain medical transaction specialists at each of its offices to support the diverse needs of medical business clients. The Managing Partner of the firm is Robert Flynn who spent most of his career with the publicly traded $3 billion London based Cookson Group plc as a senior executive; he brings decades of transaction related experience to the company.

The firm's growth strategy includes affiliations with leading national providers of medical business related services that are positioned to quickly identify medical related transaction opportunities. Prudential Real Estate has joined as an affiliate to serve the medical related real estate needs of United Medical Broker clients across the United States. Priority Leasing is also affiliated to provide medical equipment financing services.

"I am very excited about this expansion of our successful brokerage model. Medical related businesses continue to prosper during these difficult economic times. The long-term fundamentals look exceptionally positive and we are positioned to capitalize on them. Near term the health related policies being planned and executed by the new presidential administration will create further demand for our services," said A.J. Caro, founder of Bridge Business and Property Brokers.

Bridge's President also voiced excitement stating, "The launch of this division shows our commitment to dominating the marketplace by offering expert services to specific vertical markets."

For more information visit the company website at www.unitedmedicalbrokers.com

Contact Information
United Medical Brokers
Robert A. Flynn
401-744-0320
rflynn@unitedmedicalbrokers.com
unitedmedicalbrokers.com

Truck Drivers At Greater Risk For Lung Cancer

Diesel Users Suffer More Lung Cancer; a Simple Solution is to Hand from ChemEcol and VEPower

Those who work with and at close proximity to diesel engines, especially lorry drivers, are at a higher risk of cancer according to a recent US study. This is on top of the elevated risk of "heart disease and stroke, possibly resulting from enhanced coagulation and arterial thrombosis" such exposure gives. The good news is that a British company has developed a fuel technology that is seen to significantly reduce ultra fine particulate emissions by as much as 45%.

Welwyn Garden City, United Kingdom, March 28, 2009 -- Truckers endure such grave risks as lung cancers, heart disease and stroke all the time they run their engines. But it's not just the lorry drivers who are at risk. The American study also saw that those working with the and near trucks (fork truck drivers, warehousemen, mechanics, and even office workers) are at elevated risk from these killers. Why?

Diesel exhaust carries particulate matter; this is what colours it smoky black. Particulates are both created by and carriers of toxic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Many of these are known to be particularly carcinogenic, mutagenic. Some of these particles are small enough (100nm or less) to be classified as nanoparticles. These have been found to become distributed around the body via the blood supply once inhaled with notable deposits being found in the liver and heart. If ingested (when particles have settled on food or in drink) they will also pass into the gastro-intestinal tract (4).

It's not just haulage workers and their colleagues who are at risk. Black carbon (again, part of the exhaust) exposure in city children has been shown to reduce development in terms of intelligence (5). The particulate matter we have been looking at is known also to exacerbate respiratory complaints, allergies such as asthma and may agitate some skin complaints also. Some studies have found that certain particulate constituents can be carcinogenic on the skin as well as when inhaled (6).

ChemEcol (UK) Ltd. makes the combustion enhancer Additone. The technology has been developed as a response to the grave threats posed by vehicle exhaust pollution. ChemEcol's products are not based on metallic catalysts, nano-technology or otherwise, as such would counteract the goal of reducing particulate pollutant emissions (the metallic particles would be exhausted along with the other emissions). In fact this technology is based on pure hydrocarbon formulations, maintaining the physical properties of the diesel.

ChemEcol's patented technology modifies the processes of fuel combustion inside the engine, reducing the particulates produced at the most fundamental level. This has a beneficial side-effect of reducing fuel consumption as the PAHs otherwise produced can be considered to be wasted fuel. This change then reduces CO2 emissions and costs by an average of 3%.

VEPower Ltd markets ChemEcol's product. They can be reached at ChemEcol on +44 (0) 1707 330400, at www.chemecol.net and neil@chemecol.net.

Contact Information
ChemEcol Ltd
Nel Faulkner
+44 (0) 20 3286 8771
neil@chemecol.net
www.chemecol.net