2009 Dental PPO Network Study Coming Soon

By Ruth Ann Woodley, May 19, 2010 12:44 am

Work is well underway on the latest update to RCL’s annual Dental PPO Network Study, the only tool in the industry providing carriers with competitive benchmarks. The study measures in-network discounts, network utilization rates, and overall network savings from the combination of the two (effective discounts). When the study is complete, I will also publish an update on national discounts and trends in networks over the past few years, looking at such questions as whether networks are still growing while also increasing discounts, and whether plan designs continue to increase incentives for patients to use a network dentist.

The new version will be released in a few months. It will evaluate network data from 2009 and include some new participating companies. Meanwhile, a report on last year’s findings is available here. For more information, contact Ruth Ann or keep checking back here.

Book Review: Self Promotion for Introverts

By Ruth Ann Woodley, May 4, 2010 11:21 pm

I recently read the perfect book for a quiet actuary managing a consulting practice, and wrote a review published here by the SOA. The book is by Nancy Ancowitz, a business communication coach I have worked with over the past few years, and like all of her work it is insightful and useful. An introvert herself, Nancy has a great perspective on how we think and how we work with those chatty extroverts. Far from everyone I work with is an introvert -even the actuaries!. But since we’re half of the population some must be, and might find this useful. Take a look – and let me know what you think.

Rich Tucker attending Retirement Conference in Washington, DC.

By Rich Tucker, April 5, 2010 11:52 am

Rich Tucker will be attending The Retirement Industry Conference on Monday and Tuesday, April 12 and 13 in Washington, DC.  Let him know if you will also be there.

Tim Paris attending SOA Investment Symposium in New York

By Timothy Paris, March 10, 2010 3:57 pm

Tim Paris will be attending the Society of Actuaries’ Investment Symposium in New York on March 22-23.  Please contact Tim if you will be there too, or seek him out in New York.