DETROIT, Aug. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- The largest savings - up to 30 percent - for companies' administrative health care expenses are found in managing outsourcing of claims administration, according to the Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG). AIAG has created a guideline in collaboration with Thomas Group, a professional services firm specializing in operational improvements, to help companies better manage their claims administration process through third-party administrators (TPA). (Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO ) Many self-insured companies outsource their administrative services to TPAs and may pay excessive cost premiums for the convenience. TPA terms and arrangements can impact a company's ability to properly analyze data and result in reporting errors and misrepresentations of claim data. Further, higher state assessments, program costs and service fees may arise. "Our strategy is to attack administrative rework, error and waste and by doing so, reduce the impact of projected annual health care cost increases," said J. Scot Sharland, AIAG executive director. "Given the complexity in managing TPAs, the use of this guideline can help any self-insured company more effectively manage their claims processes and lower their costs." In order to provide a clearer and accurate picture of programs, claims histories and administration, the guideline provides companies with the right program structure and terms to seek when soliciting TPA services in both occupational and non-occupational health management. Topics include bill review, nurse case management, avoiding claim status escalation, litigation management, old claims management, value-based incentives and predictive modeling. Eric Labe, senior vice president of Thomas Group's health care practice said, "We are excited to participate in this effort with AIAG to help employers begin to manage their health care costs as they do other expense line items." The guideline was developed by AIAG's Health Focus Group, whose mission is to improve the health status of automotive industry employees, beneficiaries and retirees by identifying and attacking the root causes that drive health care costs upward. Instead of cost shifting, the group is focusing on cost- reducing initiatives to reduce errors and improve quality. AIAG and Thomas Group's focus on process in addressing issues in quality and cost makes for a natural alignment in working collaboratively on this project. AIAG's Third Party Administrator Guideline is available in print and electronic document formats at a list price of $149 by visiting http://www.aiag.org/ or calling customer service at (248) 358-3003. AIAG's AutoMed conference will feature the guideline from Nov. 15-16, 2007, at the Troy Marriott hotel in Troy, Mich. About AIAG Founded in 1982, AIAG is a globally recognized organization where OEMs and suppliers unite to address and resolve issues affecting the worldwide automotive supply chain. AIAG's goals are to reduce cost and complexity through collaboration; improve product quality, health, safety and the environment; and optimize speed to market throughout the supply chain. Headquartered in the metro Detroit area, its member companies include North American, European and Asia-Pacific OEMs and suppliers to the automotive industry. Additional information is available on the Internet at http://www.aiag.org/. About Thomas Group Thomas Group, Inc. (NasdaqGM: TGIS) is an international, publicly traded professional services firm specializing in operational improvements. Thomas Group's unique brand of process improvement and performance management services enable businesses to enhance operations, improve productivity and quality, reduce costs, generate cash and drive higher profitability. Known for Breakthrough Process Performance, Thomas Group creates and implements customized improvement strategies for sustained performance improvements in all facets of the business enterprise. Thomas Group has offices in Dallas, Detroit, and Hong Kong. For more information please visit http://www.thomasgroup.com/ http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20040719/DEM007LOGO DATASOURCE: Automotive Industry Action Group CONTACT: Leslie Santos of Automotive Industry Action Group, +1-734-658-9866 Web site: http://www.aiag.org/ http://www.thomasgroup.com/

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