Issue link: http://connect.avant.org.au/i/754563
Surgeons GPs Physicians Members requiring Avant's support Claims frequency per 1,000 members 1 in 2 1 in 3 1 in 4 Connect | Issue 07 | avant.org.au/publications 3 You will need us to advise you … and defend you Last financial year, 38% of Avant's fellowed doctors contacted Avant about an incident or for advice. Surgeons needed us most with one in two surgeons contacting us. Claims from GPs, physicians and surgeons all had large increases in claims frequency in the 2015–16 financial year. One issue may have many components requiring expert advice on a range of matters Often we see one incident develop into a multi-faceted situation for a member. For example, coronial inquests may lead to professional conduct or disciplinary action by regulators. Each type of claim has its own nuances and law areas that require a deep understanding to deliver the best possible outcome. Increases across Australia Our data shows an increase in claim frequency across the country. Queensland's complaints process moving to Office of the Health Ombudsman may be a driver for the state's increase, and the NSW Health Care Complaints Commission online reporting and complaints communication program may have contributed to the increase there. Average 2012–15 2015–16 16% 14% 12% 10% 8% 6% 4% 2% 0% NSW/ACT QLD SA/NT TAS VIC WA Claims managed 2015–16 3.5% Professional Conduct Compensation Claim Coronial Inquest Employment Dispute Medicare Investigation Other Annual frequency Avant claims per 1,000 members 17.7% 10.5% 13.1% Physicians Surgeons GPs Increased by Increased by Increased by Total Avant Claims Growth 2015-16 / 2014-15 0% 4% 8 % 12% 16% Professional Conduct Compensation Claim Coronial Inquest Employment Dispute Medicare Investigation Other 3 45.5% 24.7% 11.6% 9.4% 5.3%