8 - Sunday, August 23, 1992 - North Shore News ICBC tackles $150M deficit _Cost-cutting includes controls on whiplash claims ICBC PRESIDENT Robyn Allan recently announced details in North Vancouver of numerous new cost-cutting initiatives to reduce a projected $150 million deficit this year. ’ B.C. motorists have already ab- sorbed a 19% auto insurance premium increase this year. Allan said that three months ago ICBC ‘twas looking at the real possibility that a rate increase greater than 14% would be needed next year.”* : ICBC has identified a need to control increasing visits to chiro- practors, physiotherapists and massage therapists by people re- covering from injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents. The corporation will cap the amount and cost of documenta- tion from chiropractors and will end direct billing from therapists who have opted out of the Medi- cal Services Plan. Five years ago, ICBC paid for . 690,000 visits to chiropractors, physiotherapists and massage therapists. "The corporation pro- jects that .this year it will cover more than 1.6 million such medi- cal visits. » People treated by an opted-out practitioner will pay the bill and be. reimbursed by ICBC. The ’ strategy is meant to give claimants a better idea of the costs of treatment. According to ICBC the. billing. move could result in fewer visits . to therapists and iower total costs. . .The insurance corporation . singles out whiplash claims and fraud as a point of ‘‘notable con- cern.” Of all injury claims made to ICBC, whiplash claims account By Michael Becker News Reporter for 70% of the caseload. Said Allan, “To put this into perspective, 10 years ago, injury claims represented 48% of ICBC’s total claims payouts, amounting to $291 million. Last year, they represented 60% — a total of $903 million.” ~ According to Allan, whiplash claims are responsible for most of the increase. ' “Qur goal is to ensure that those who suffer injuries receive every dollar of compensation they deserve, but not a dollar more. ICBC wil! vigorously resist at- tempts to inflate the value of these whiplash claims,"’ she said. ICBC has established guidelines for what constitutes mild, moder- ate or severe whiplash. The cor- poration has set dollar values bas- ed on average settlements set by courts. “People who may wrench their backs or necks skiing or moving things around the house will re- cover and get back to norma! quickly. However, some who suf- fer the exact same injuries in a car accident will immediately come to ICBC locking for money. **In extreine cases, lawyers become involved, numerous medi- cal procedures iake place, but the nm may not reaily get better until they get their settlement che- que.” _ LET BCIT SOLVE YOUR COMPUTER PROBLEMS ] MOM is looking for individuals, businesses or government agencies “with specific computer problems that need solving, the kind of problem a team of computer technology students can solve part-time over four to eight months. The Computer Systems Technology department is looking for projects now. There is no charge for the project but clients are expected to pay for any software or special hardware for the project. To help “recover administration costs, a $109 project fee is required. Successful past projects include a travel agency reservation _Mmanagement system, a hotel and motel energy management system, and a program for Canada Customs to track information on goods seized at the border. ~ For more information call Allan W. Lee at 432-8298 or fax 439-1522. A further measure sees ICBC reviewing its payment system to body shops and auto parts sup- Pliers. The corporation will no longer pay out accounts every 15 days. The move allows ICBC to retain funds longer and earn more investment income. Other intiatives involve a change in the way ICBC deter- mines claims settlements. In the Lower Mainland, minor damage claims can be handled by telephone, eliminating the need for motorists to attend claims of- fices. 2 Lights «4 «Lights Saie prices in effect Aug. 23 - Aug. 29, 1962 vailable in. THE WORLD'S BEST. A BOATHOUSE | SPECIALTY! Broiled, Mustard, Blackened, Thai, Teriyaki FROM $10.95 Lower Mainiand stores ‘onty | .