Claims organizations have access to more information than ever before. Medical records. Claims histories. Provider data. Public records. Social insights. Digital tools capable of processing enormous amounts of information faster than a person ever could. But having more data does not automatically create a clearer picture of a claim. In fact, without the right investigative approach, more information can create more noise—making it harder to determine what matters, what is missing, and where to look next. The real advantage isn't simply having more data. It's knowing how to turn each finding into a better question. Turn claims data into actionable…

In today’s fast-moving insurance landscape, the pressure to close claims quickly while maintaining accuracy has never been greater. Traditional manual claims investigation methods—such as phone calls, paper record searches, and waiting weeks for updates—are being replaced by digital solutions. At the forefront of this digital shift are solutions like Medical Canvassing and Social Canvassing. These innovative solutions combine data access with investigative expertise, empowering claims professionals to make informed decisions with speed and confidence. Streamlining a Claims Investigation with Technology Traditional insurance investigations are often resource-intensive, requiring time-consuming manual outreach and a heavy reliance on claimant-provided information. This increases the…

In today’s fast-moving insurance landscape, the pressure to close claims quickly while maintaining accuracy has never been greater. Traditional manual claims investigation methods—such as phone calls, paper record searches, and waiting weeks for updates—are being replaced by digital solutions. At the forefront of this digital shift are solutions like Medical Canvassing and Social Canvassing. These innovative solutions combine data access with investigative expertise, empowering claims professionals to make informed decisions with speed and confidence. Streamlining a Claims Investigation with Technology Traditional insurance investigations are often resource-intensive, requiring time-consuming manual outreach and a heavy reliance on claimant-provided information. This increases the…

Insurance fraud is nothing new—but in times of crisis, it tends to spike. Following natural disasters, economic downturns, and other large-scale events, adjusters often face a flood of claims. Unfortunately, not all of them are legitimate. According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, insurance fraud costs the U.S. over $308 billion annually, and experts warn that fraud will remain one of the biggest threats to insurers and policyholders alike. For adjusters, the challenge isn’t just handling the volume of claims—it’s separating genuine losses from exaggerated or outright fraudulent ones. Missing the signs can mean millions in unnecessary payouts, while catching…

In claims and investigations, the smallest detail can make or break a case. When investigations rely on partial or incomplete canvassing, the consequences can be costly. A single missed record or overlooked piece of information can lead to inflated settlements, prolonged litigation, or missed opportunities to uncover fraud. Let’s look at a few example scenarios that show just how high the price of missed clues can be—and how thorough canvassing changes outcomes. Case Example 1: Medical Canvassing Finds a Pre-Existing Condition A claimant in a personal injury lawsuit alleged severe back pain following an auto accident. Their medical records, provided…

In the fast-paced world of claims investigation, having information is not the challenge—knowing how to turn that information into a confident decision is. Insurance carriers, adjusters, and Special Investigation Units (SIUs) are inundated with reports, statements, and digital footprints. The key is separating what’s merely interesting from what’s truly actionable. That’s where medical canvassing and social media canvassing can help. When done right, these investigative tools go beyond simply collecting data—they provide strategic, case-specific intelligence that can directly influence the direction of a claim. Medical Canvassing: Beyond the Basics Medical canvassing involves contacting medical facilities within a specified radius to…

Insurance fraud takes many forms and each poses unique challenges for claims professionals. But all forms of fraud have the potential to inflate costs, delay resolutions, and undermine the integrity of the claims process. Spotting red flags of fraud early is critical to saving your team time and expenses. That’s where canvassing comes in. By leveraging medical and social canvassing, adjusters and investigators gain deeper visibility into claimants’ treatment histories, activities, and potential misrepresentations. At INTERTEL, we’ve spent decades refining medical and social canvassing strategies that uncover the truth, empowering carriers to distinguish between legitimate claims and exaggerated or fabricated…

Medical canvassing is a powerful tool used by insurance carriers, TPAs, and legal professionals to verify medical treatment histories and uncover undisclosed information. Yet, due to a few persistent misconceptions, many organizations skip this critical part of the discovery and record retrieval process — and risk missing vital information as a result. It's time to put those misconceptions to rest. Let’s debunk the top five myths about medical canvassing. MYTH #1: Medical Canvassing is Illegal This is one of the most common myths. But professional medical canvassing is 100% legal when conducted properly. It involves contacting medical providers within a…