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Why Insurance Rates Are Increasing and What To Do About It

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Pierre Morrisseau

Please excuse the pun, but the insurance industry is in the midst of a “perfect storm.”

After rates across all classes have been relatively flat for a number of years, insurance carriers are facing dramatic increases in both risk and cost of claims forcing them to dramatically increase premiums to meet state and federal reserve requirements, and in some cases, to even remain solvent.

Let’s take a closer look at what is driving costs to insurance premium increases.

Weather: Climate change and major losses around the globe from severe winter storms, severe summer storms and flooding, vast wildfires, hail, tornadoes and of course, hurricanes impacting ever-larger coastal and city populations. According to the National Centers for Environmental Information, the U.S. sustained 377 climate disasters since 1980 where damages exceeded $1 billion. The total cost of these 377 events exceeded $2.6 trillion. As populations swell in severe weather zones, so, too, has the cost of insurance soared. By comparison, all of the 1990s (1990-1999) saw 57 weather disasters costing over $327 billion, or about $32 billion per year. Last year alone, there were 28 ranked storm disasters costing $93 billion.

Severity and Cost of Auto Accidents: According to Kelly Blue Book, the average price of a new car in 2023 was $48,008. The severity rate for auto accidents has increased for the first time in decades as the cost and complexity of vehicles increases. Distracted drivers increase the frequency rate of accidents adding to the dramatic increase in vehicle insurance rates.

Inflation: Homes, autos, home contents, repair costs all have risen dramatically since the pandemic amidst supply chain disruptions, employment stresses, general inflation, all of which impact the cost of claims.

Social Inflation: Liability risk has soared due to a less well understood phenomenon defined as social inflation (the belief that someone must pay), resulting in massive liability settlements and dramatically increased legal activity.

Investment in Lawsuits: Driven by social inflation, lawsuits have increased. Organizations with deep pockets are the targets. Have you noticed the amount of advertising by Attorneys? This is often funded by outside investors who will provide capital in exchange for a stake in the settlement. The result is larger settlements but much of that may not be going to claimants.  This has quickly become big business. In Florida, one of the primary drivers of increased property insurance was a law that allowed homeowners to sign their rights to the claim to contractors who, working with attorneys, threatened suit against insurance companies if they failed to pony up.  Homeowners were actively solicited by contractors, driving up insurance costs of claims to twice as much or more of what they would have been. According to the Insurance Information Institute, 79% of all homeowner’s insurance lawsuits are in the state of Florida alone.  Consumers pay for these increases. 

Reinsurance Markets: Reinsurance is the insurance that insurance companies buy to spread their risk. Reinsurers, too, are under severe cost pressure, drastically increasing rates that must be added to the carriers’ own premiums. In addition, they have reduced the available limits, reduced coverage of specific triggers like wind and flood in high-risk areas, limited the types of buildings and locations that carriers can insure and limited the amount of reinsurance available. This has resulted in insurance companies changing their underwriting criteria and charging more or limiting the ability to provide coverage.

So, what should you do? First, know the basis of your risk. If it is your personal insurance – the age of your roof and your ability to prevent water damage claims is critical. Modern technology can detect any water flow and turn your system off before damage is incurred. Dash cams have become an important defense in proving your innocence in car accidents.  For businesses, it is important for underwriters to know how you are controlling risk as it can significantly affect the cost. Are you able to tell them your story? Will the insurance carrier and broker work with you to improve your risk management systems and support your business goals? There are other important steps that you should explore with your insurance broker that can help mitigate insurance costs increases.

 

Paramedicine: Creating a First Line of Access and Follow-up in our Communities.

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Definition: Community paramedicine is a relatively new and evolving healthcare model. It allows paramedics and emergency medical technicians (EMTs) to operate in expanded roles by assisting with public health and primary healthcare and preventive services to underserved populations in the community.” Rural Health Information Hub

Recently I wrote about new models developing in primary care. From telemedicine to urgent care, access for certain conditions can be met as an adjunct to the traditional primary care physician .

Paramedicine has been developing in many states since 2009. Every community has different needs, and Paramedicine programs look different from community to community.

What these programs have in common is identifying what will help the existing health care system in that area by addressing unmet needs.

A scan of existing programs suggests common focus areas include:

911 triage to prevent dispatching an ambulance crew.

Chronic Care management in the home, in collaboration with home care, hospice, health departments or primary care practices.

Preventing readmissions or ER visits by offering some chronic care education services in the home and facilitating communications with providers.

Helping patients get to the right setting and identifying resources to support them.

Immunizations.

Supporting the frail elderly in remaining at home with extra support.

In NYS there are pilots underway to look at Paramedicine as part of the health landscape. In others states these programs have long been a successful part of health care. Florida in particular has a compete manual for ambulances to approach certification and to train ALS paramedics.

The current demonstrations in NYS were funded by the Mother Cabrini Health Foundation, awarding grants to the Iroquois Association and the NYS Home Care Association. These pilots are about to expand from three to six. They have worked best in areas where a champion within the department takes lead in the community collaboration. Gary Fitzgerald the CEO of Iroquois notes, “EMS providers can be used more effectively in our communities.”

I spoke with the pilot in Jefferson County that is working in collaboration with their Health Department and home care agency. Paul Barter, the Jefferson County EMS Director was enthusiastic about the impact of their pilot program in Jefferson County. He stressed how excited his providers are in helping patients better understand their disease, medications, and have a better quality of life. A review of their data tells them they are reducing calls to 911 and transports to emergency rooms.

These pilots are particularly important in areas where primary care has contracted, or the local ER has closed. Workforce shortages have also hit Ambulance Corps and foundations and the Health Department should look at investments and incentives to help EMS providers expand through Incentives, including scholarships and tax credits.

There are so many positives to community based care in improving health outcomes. Paramedicine is one part of a growing system of options for communities to consider. The NYS Health Deportment should make these programs a permanent option in the NYS Healthcare landscape.

References:

https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/topics/community-paramedicine

https://www.flexmonitoring.org/sites/flexmonitoring.umn.edu/files/media/bp34.pdf

https://paramedicnetwork.org/mce/

https://emsa.ca.gov/community_paramedicine/

https://www.iroquois.org/

Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynruscitto or at krusct@gmail.com

 

 

 

New Rule to Determine Worker Status Under the Fair Labor Standards Act

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By: Allison B. Cherundolo, CCB Law

A new final rule from the United States Department of Labor (“DOL”) went into effect on March 11, 2024 that changes how to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”). Rescinding the 2021 rule under which two key factors – control over the work and opportunity for profit or loss – carried greater weight, the final rule applies a six-factor test to ensure that an employer’s classification of its workers complies with the protections of the FLSA, primarily appropriate minimum wage payments and entitlement to overtime.

The six-factor test applies a “totality of the circumstances” analysis of the “economic realities” of the work relationship meaning that each factor is weighed equally on a case-by-case basis. The DOL has stated that its intent is not to give one factor a predetermined weight over the others. Thus, no single factor listed is determinative.

The following provides an overview of each of the factors that must now be considered in classifying workers as employees or independent contractors.


1. The Opportunity for Profit or Loss for the Worker

When evaluating the opportunity for profit and loss, an employer should consider facts such as whether the worker determines or can meaningfully negotiate the charge or pay for the work provided; whether the worker accepts or declines jobs or chooses the order and/or time in which the jobs are performed; whether the worker engages in marketing, advertising, or other efforts to expand their business or secure more work; and whether the worker makes decisions to hire others, purchase materials and equipment, and/or rent space. The more of these things a worker does the more likely it is that they would be determined an independent contractor as opposed to an employee.

2. Investments of the Parties

This factor considers whether the worker’s investments “support an independent business and serve a business-like function, such as increasing the worker’s ability to perform different types of or more work, reducing costs, or extending market reach” – and how that compares to the employer’s investment in the business overall.

3. The Degree of Permanency of the Work Relationship

A work relationship that is “definite in duration, non-exclusive, project-based, or sporadic based on the worker being in business for themselves and marketing their services or labor to multiple entities” would weigh towards classification as an independent contractor whereas a work relationship that “is indefinite in duration, continuous, or exclusive of work for other employers” would weigh in favor of classification as an employee.

4. The Nature and Degree of the Employer’s Control Over the Work

When considering this factor, an employer should evaluate whether it sets the worker’s schedule, supervises the performance of the work,…explicitly limits the worker’s ability to work for others, uses technological means to supervise the performance of the work, reserves the right to supervise or discipline workers,…places demands or restrictions on workers that do not allow them to work for others or work when they choose [, and/or] controls economic aspects of the working relationship…, including control over prices or rates for services and the marketing of the services or products provided by the worker. The more control an employer exercises over a worker the more likely this factor will favor classification as an employee as opposed to an independent contractor. Notably, control within legal requirements for safety, quality, and customer/patient standards may not necessarily dictate an employer-employee relationship.

5. The Degree to Which the Work is an Integral Part of the Employer’s Business

This factor considers not whether the worker is an integral part of the organization, but whether the work being performed is “critical, necessary, or central” to the company’s primary business. The less critical the work is to the organization, the more likely this factor favors classification as an independent contractor.


6. The Worker’s Skill and Initiative

The final factor focuses on the worker’s use of specialized skills. Where “those skills contribute to business-like initiative” this factor will favor classification as an independent contractor. However, where workers rely on the company for training to perform the work this factor will favor classification as an employee.

Oneida Health Pursues Another 125 Years of Exceptional Care

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By Becca Taurisano

From investments in facilities, technology, and medical staff to strategic partnerships, Oneida Heath is committed to providing the best quality outcomes and patient experience today and in the future.

THE EARLY YEARS

From the very beginning, Oneida Health’s mission has been driven by the community’s need for exceptional care, close to home. In 1894, a railroad accident in Oneida brought to light the need for immediate health care services. With a makeshift treatment room established at the Presbyterian Church to treat the railroad victims, the concept of delivering organized healthcare services in the community was born.

In 1899, Oneida Mayor, J.M. Goldstein donated a plot of land on Williams Street and Oneida Health opened the doors to its first hospital, a four-bed city-operated facility. After an expansion a few years later, it was clear more was needed and the first Broad Street Hospital was built in 1906, followed by a new 80-bed Board Street facility in 1938. 

Over the next 30 years, the Broad Street Hospital continued to expand to meet the needs of the community driving the need for a new site. In 1972, a 126-bed hospital opened its doors at 321 Genesee Street which serves as the hospital’s primary location today. Two years later, the Broad Street facility was converted into a skilled nursing facility, marking the beginning stages of Oneida Health’s healthcare system.

“Since 1899, the growth of Oneida Health has been a reflection of the needs of our community,” says Michael Kallet, Chair, Board of Trustees of Oneida Health. “From our humble beginnings to today, our organization continues to be driven to provide convenient access to the highest quality of care possible.”

TRANSFORMATION TO AN INTEGRATED HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

With the hospital location firmly established on the hill overlooking Genesee Street and a skilled nursing facility downtown, the city-owned and operated healthcare system in Oneida continued to deliver care for the next 20 years without much change. It wasn’t until the 1990s that Oneida Health started to expand its services beyond the hospital and skilled nursing
facility.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Oneida Health saw tremendous growth in services offered with the expansion of outpatient locations. This transformed Oneida Health into an integrated healthcare system.

“To best care for your community, you need to invest in providing preventative care,” says Kallet. “As an organization, we recognized this as the next step to meet the needs of our community by supporting population health and preventing more intensive and costly care
down the road.”

Recognizing the need for primary and preventive care services, Oneida Health opened its first outpatient office in Camden in 1991 marking the beginning of what is now a six-location primary care network with 18 primary care providers. To support access to diagnostic services, Oneida Health expanded its lab and imaging services with the development of five outpatient lab draw locations and two outpatient imaging centers.

In addition to the expansion of primary care, Oneida Health recognized the need for increased access to specialty services close to home. “The need for increased access to specialty services in healthcare has grown with the advancement of medicine,” says Felissa Koernig, President and CEO of Oneida Health. “Developing and nurturing a network of preventative and specialty services is instrumental to improving care in our communities.”

This commitment has created an integrated healthcare network offering specialty services that include: Allergy; Breast Surgery; Cardiology; Convenient Care; Ear, Nose, and Throat; Gastroenterology; Neurology; Obstetrics and Gynecology; Oncology; Orthopedics; Podiatry;

 Pulmonology; Sleep; Vascular; and Wound Care.

A LEADER IN COMMUNITY HEALTHCARE:WORLD CLASS TECHNOLOGY

Along the way, Oneida Health has taken a strategic approach to providing convenient access to services with leading-edge technology. “As a rural healthcare organization, it is not enough to provide patients convenient access to healthcare services,” says Koernig. “Our mission is to provide patients with the best healthcare services, and to achieve this you need to pair
talented medical staff and the best technology.”

Oneida Health has had a history of investing in state-of the-art technology to support the diagnosis and treatment of its patients. In 2002, Oneida Health was the first hospital in Central New York (CNY) to introduce computeraided mammography. This was later followed by being among the first in CNY to invest in 3D mammography, the new gold standard in early breast cancer detection. With continued new investments in advanced imaging over the last decade which includes a 3-Tesla MRI and Advanced PET/CT, to name a few, Oneida Health has become a destination for imaging services.

From instituting robotic surgery in 2012 to providing TrueBeam radiotherapy, the most advanced linear accelerator and radiosurgery treatment system available, 

Oneida Health ensures providers have access to the best technology when it comes to treating patients. 

“It’s a common misconception that the best technology exists only in big cities,” says Kallet. “At Oneida Health, we have taken every step to ensure our talented Medical Staff has access to the best technology to treat their patients.”

 

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS

For rural-based healthcare networks, the ability to develop highly specialized service lines can often be hindered by a lack of expertise and their ability to recruit Medical Specialists. Oneida Health has leveraged key strategic partnerships to help bridge the gap and bring
highly specialized care to Oneida.

In 2017, Oneida Health opened the William L. Griffin Medical Oncology Center followed by the Dorothy G. Griffin Radiation Oncology Center, both centers are members of the Roswell Park Care Network. The collaboration provides the Oneida region with quality cancer care that meets National Cancer Institute (NCI) guidelines, creating local access to some of the latest treatment options from a nationally ranked cancer center.

In response to an increase in diabetic patients with difficulty healing wounds, Oneida Health recently partnered with Restorix, an expert in wound care and hyperbaric medicine, to open the Wound Care Center in 2018. By developing this partnership, Oneida Health was able to bring in a high level of expertise in this specialized area to become operational in a very short time frame.

“Anytime we offer a service, we should be among the best in the area providing it, otherwise why would patients choose us,” says Koernig. “Strategic partnerships with Roswell Park, Restorix, and other healthcare systems have allowed us to leverage expertise in a collaborative effort to provide the highest quality of care on day one.”

NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED CARE

Oneida Health prides itself on exceptional care, always and has received numerous awards for high-quality care and patient experience for many years. Some of the most impressive recent highlights include:
The region’s only 5-star rated hospital by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare (CMS) for quality care in 2021

Ranked in the top 2% of hospitals nationally for patient safety and patient experience by Healthgrades in 2019.

Women’s Choice Award for Best 100 Hospitals for Patient Experience four years in a row, 2020-2023.

A five-star recipient for Vaginal Delivery from Healthgrades for 5 years in a row (2015-2019)

“As an organization, we have a history of being committed to excellence,” says Koernig. “Awards at the national and state level are a testament to the talented Medical Staff we have at Oneida Health and their dedication to providing patients with the highest level of care at every visit.”

BUILT ON COMMUNITY SUPPORT

From a four-bed hospital to an integrated healthcare network, Oneida Health today includes a 101-bed acute care hospital, stateof-the-art robotic surgery center, 160 bed extended-care facility, multiple primary and urgent care offices, comprehensive lab and imaging services, outpatient and inpatient therapy, and a variety of specialty services providing care to approximately 29 communities with a population of over a 100,000 throughout Madison and Oneida counties.

The incredible growth and success the organization has seen over the last 125 years would not be possible without significant community support throughout its history.

Recent donations have helped support technology, expansions, and renovations of facilities like the William L. Griffin Medical Oncology Center, the Alice M. Gorman Imaging Center, the Dorothy G. Griffin Radiation Oncology Center, and the expansion of the Emergency Department and Operating Rooms including the Chapman Foundation main hospital entrance.

“So much of what we’ve achieved has been made possible 

by our generous donors,” says Kallet. “From the original land donation by the mayor to our most recent donations  by the Griffin Foundation for the expansion of oncology, these contributions to our mission have elevated our network to what it is today.”

Support from community groups has been essential as well, from the Oneida Health Foundation to individual volunteers and groups like the Oneida Health Auxiliary. Their combined efforts have provided valuable resources to Oneida Health’s success.

“Community-based organizations have provided their support throughout our 125 years because they believe in our vision,” says Koernig “From a single volunteer fulfilling hours of service to large financial gifts from area nonprofits, these generous acts have helped make our patient care exceptional. I extend our thanks to everyone in the community who has contributed so selflessly
over our organization’s history.”

THE NEXT 125 YEARS

As the future of healthcare changes, Oneida Health plans to stay agile to adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.

“As an organization, we need to continue to look for opportunities to deliver care where it is needed and how patients want to receive it,” says Koernig. “Our ability to connect patients digitally with their providers and patient information is going to become more
essential as we move forward.”

While the method of delivering care may be changing, Oneida Health’s approach to patient care looks to remain consistent. “Our commitment to providing the highest quality of care and patient experience will continue to set us apart and remain an important reason why patients will choose us for years to come,” says Koernig.

The future of Oneida Health will continue to rest on its most important asset: its people. “As a healthcare organization, we will need to continue to recruit the highest level of talent while providing an environment where healthcare providers and professionals can thrive. 

Investing in our people will ensure we’re providing care for the next century and beyond,” adds Koernig.

The Evolution of Primary Care

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BY KATHRYN RUSCITTO, ADVISOR

For many years we have lived with the concept that primary care is delivered by an office based physician who treats and coordinates all our care. The wisdom and experience primary care physicians have brought to this practice has been remarkable. Over the last several years environmental pressures have brought about an evolution in the Primary Care model leading to unique new access points for patients.

Covid added to an existing workforce shortage and many physicians faced burnout from growing demands. From 2005 to 2015 there was an 11% drop in primary care physicians. Recent tracking suggests that decline has continued.

The result is the evolution of a broader model of primary care access ranging from Urgent Care, Retail Clinics to Online Telemedicine consults, and Paramedicine Pilots. 

Heather Drake Bianchi, CEO of Drakos Dynamics, a provider of urgent care and family medicine in CNY underscores the importance of accessibility. In a recent interview she emphasized the value of being available when patients need care, outside traditional office hours, aligning with the shifting demands of today’s workforce and lifestyle.

Another essential change, is that many sub specialties are now seen as key or integral to the primary care provider. Integrated primary care considers the input from Pharmacy, Dental, Mental Health, Physical Therapy and Health coaching in an integrated record. These teams, often system based, believe primary care has to include a balanced view across all providers. The blending of all these perspectives across an integrated team allows for better delivery of care in a patient collaborative model.

Dr. Julie Colvin a busy Family Physician and Medical Director of Northeast Family Physicians at St. Joseph’s HHC states, “Healthcare has to change and evolve, and those options will also give patients and providers more flexibility, and will help the healthcare workforce shortage. We want to make sure that the quality of care in those extended fields is the same as traditional medical care.”

These new access points are exploding using technology, remote access to physicians and even algorithms that direct care based on AI analysis of patients answers to questions. 

In many ways these new access points are part of an Integrated Primary Care model. In order for that information to be readily available from any access point, it must be integrated across the medical record, or accessible to providers through the Regional Health Information Organization.

It is not unusual for me to find younger patients using these new access points and not having a primary care physician. For specialty practices I pose the question, have you adjusted your outreach approaches for patients based on these new access points?

The health care environment continues to evolve utilizing the opportunities from technology, and helping patients find the right care, at the right time, in the right setting.

Kruscitto 1/24
Krusct@gmail.com
Board member and advisor

Resources:
Primary Care in the US, a brief history
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/
NBK571806/#:~:text=New%20models%20
of%20care%2C%20such,of%20quality%
2C%20and%20more%20formally

Primary Care: Past, Present and Future
https://www.medpagetoday.com/opinion/focusonpolicy/
103811

https://www.sjhsyr.org/find-a-service-or-specialty/
primary-care

https://www.drakosdynamics.com/

Kathryn Ruscitto, Advisor, can be reached at linkedin.com/in/kathrynruscitto or at krusct@gmail.com

Enhancing Patient Care Through Clinical Research with Velocity

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In the rapidly evolving landscape of healthcare staying at the forefront of medical advancements is crucial. Velocity Clinical Research, a global leader in conducting clinical trials with almost 100 sites worldwide, offers an 

avenue for healthcare professionals in the Central New York region to contribute to this evolution and significantly impact the future of patient care. By referring patients to clinical trials at Velocity Syracuse, you not only provide them with access to next-generation healthcare options but also participate in the advancement of medical knowledge and treatment.

Transforming Patient Engagement with Clinical Research
Velocity Syracuse is currently spearheading several clinical 

trials covering a wide range of medical conditions. Current studies include; cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease and agitation associated with it, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, secondary treatment of hypercholesterolemia, severe hypertriglyceridemia, gastroparesis, hepatic encephalopathy, obesity, and several vaccine trials. 

We are also participating in a unique clinical trial involving the evaluation of a new PET scan tracer to better identify brain changes in early Alzheimer’s disease. The study is looking for patients with a projected life expectancy of less than one year, with and without Alzheimer’s, who are willing to undergo a PET scan and donate their brain postmortem for comparison and evaluation.

A Step Towards Better Healthcare
Referring patients to clinical trials at Velocity is not just about accessing new treatment options, it is about being part of the larger community and movement toward the future of healthcare. It is also an opportunity to contribute to the advancement of medicine while simultaneously enhancing patient care and distinguishing your practice as one that is evidenced based and forward thinking.

These trials are more than just research studies; they are potential advanced treatment options for those patients with conditions not adequately addressed by existing therapies. Referring patients to clinical trials empowers and enables them to play a more active role in their healthcare journey.

Collaboration and Compensation
Participants in all studies receive compensation for their time and effort. Other advantages for individuals who participate in clinical trials include but are not limited to; access to medications irrespective of cost, transportation to/from our office if necessary, and additional medical testing that may not otherwise be available through the course of routine medical care.

We are committed to full collaboration and continuity of care with medical providers and the patients we share. We recognize the importance of sharing this information and the value of working together. We also make every effort to minimize time and work required to make a referral to us. Additionally, Velocity is striving to extend the potential benefits of participation in clinical research to everyone equitably. Historically, minority populations have been significantly underrepresented in research studies. We continue to make efforts to promote diversity in clinical research.

Stay Informed and Involved
We urge you to embrace this possibility to make a significant difference. Join Velocity in shaping the future of healthcare, one patient, one trial at a time.

To stay updated on the latest studies and how they align with your patients’ needs, you can easily reach out to us at Syracuse@VelocityClinical.com. Your proactive engagement ensures that you are always informed about the latest clinical research opportunities available
for your patients.

Can Paid Medical Experts Guarantee Justice in Medical Malpractice Cases?

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Jennifer Negley

Expert witness testimony is essential to all medical malpractice legal proceedings. Usually, without a medical expert, plaintiffs cannot proceed to trial, and defendants are usually doomed to an adverse jury verdict. Medical experts are recruited in many ways, even from proprietary companies that offer a diverse variety of experts.

Finding these crucial experts varies from direct attorney contact to agencies offering a wide range of specialists. Though they’re key figures in court, their most important job is to be unbiased and help decide the case fairly. Professional organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians have outlined stringent guidelines:

Unwavering Objectivity:
Physicians serving as expert witnesses must hold themselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring complete and unbiased information is presented. They are not advocates, but impartial guides illuminating the medical realities of the case.

Adherence to Standards:
Their opinions should reflect the established benchmarks within their specialty, both at the time of the alleged incident and in the present. Thorough familiarization with the case and relevant medical standards is paramount.

Fair Compensation:
Recognizing the significant time and effort involved, reasonable and commensurate compensation for expert witnesses is essential.

In this time of shrinking fees and increased costs, physicians are debating if they should offer their services as a paid medical expert. Many questions arise when considering this path. One prominent national insurance carrier has challenged this matter with a few questions that can be beneficial when evaluating this option. Among them are:

Schedule Balancing:
Can you seamlessly integrate court appearances into your patient care schedule without compromising either?

Case Complexity:
Are you prepared for potentially vast medical records, repeated attorney meetings, lengthy depositions, and extended court battles?

Pressure and Performance:
How comfortable are you with verbal sparring and intense scrutiny in a courtroom setting?

Potential Repercussions:
Could your testimony be used against you in the future?

Maintaining Expertise:
Can you resist the pressure to stretch your opinions beyond your areas of expertise to better suit a particular
side?

Many physicians may not realize that their existing professional liability policies don’t automatically cover them for acting as a paid expert witness. This presents a significant financial risk you shouldn’t ignore. To make an informed decision, consulting your insurance advisor is vital. They can clarify your existing coverage and guide you toward securing any additional protection necessary to enter the world of expert witness testimony.

While the role of medical experts in malpractice cases remains crucial, both plaintiffs and defendants should carefully consider the implications before engaging a physician for compensated testimony. It’s a path demanding specialized skills, significant time commitment, and ethical considerations, necessitating a thorough self-evaluation and consultation with one’s insurance advisor. Ultimately, ensuring responsible and unbiased expertise in the courtroom necessitates understanding the complexities and obligations involved for all parties concerned.

For more information on your insurance options, please contact:

Jenn Negley,
Vice President, Risk Strategies Company
at 267-251-2233
or JNegley@Risk-Strategies.com.

Renaissance Groups: Celebrating 30 Years of Community-Centered Innovation

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By Elizabeth Landry

Sandy Paben has always been drawn to work that helps improve the condition of people in high-needs communities, although that work has taken different shapes and forms over the years. When she came to Syracuse to attend LeMoyne College in the late 1970s, she participated in a program called Projects in the Community, which involved doing volunteer work in Syracuse’s inner-city neighborhoods. Paben eventually went on to teach at Lincoln Middle School, then served as Vice Principal and Prinicpal at several schools in Upstate New York, becoming involved in teacher and staff training focusing on technology in the classroom. In 1994, Paben created Renaissance Groups, an endeavor that allowed her to delve deeper into her true passion of helping people in high-needs communities.

“You’re going to find me in tougher neighborhoods and places where people need a lot of help. Looking back, I’ve realized I was always attracted to working in high-needs communities, but if you had asked me at the time when I started Renaissance Groups, I probably couldn’t have articulated that. This work really has such a huge social worker bent. It’s all about helping people become self-sufficient and independent and helping the world become a better place, even if it doesn’t seem like it has anything to do with that on the surface,” Paben explained.

Since those early days when Paben was finding her true calling and cultivating the company, Renaissance Groups has evolved and grown into the successful change-making force it is today, under her leadership as CEO. Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, Renaissance Groups is a NYS Certified Woman Owned Enterprise with offices in Rochester, Syracuse, Buffalo, Albany, New York City and Stockton, California.

The company operates projects in all corners of the country, specializing in three main areas: compliance services, public housing services and educational services. In the construction compliance arena, Renaissance Groups assists clients with tracking minority and women labor utilization, minority and women business enterprise utilization and Section 3 utilization. The company’s public housing clients receive support relating to Section 3 compliance, family self-sufficiency and other ROSS (Resident Opportunity and Self Sufficiency) service coordination, in addition to many other programmatic needs. Stemming from Paben’s roots in teacher and staff training,

 Renaissance Group’s services in the educational realm involve 1:1 computer programs, curriculum and other resources that directly benefit both teachers and students alike.

Elevating Communities Through Affordable Housing

Although Paben began her journey with Renaissance Groups in the education and staff training fields, she has come to be incredibly passionate about the company’s work in affordable housing. By focusing on community development through compliance and oversight of projects that are building affordable housing and improving neighborhoods, Renaissance Groups is able to make a tangible, positive impact in high-needs communities. The company partners with housing authorities, developers, and contractors in many locations in order to carry out compliance management, working to track spending and labor requirements that come along with funding sources. Affordable housing projects over the past three decades have been completed in Florida, up the East Coast to Boston, throughout New York State and even in California.

For Paben, the drive behind this work is the immediate human impact these projects have within the community. “Affordable housing is my absolute passion because it helps folks who are usually incredibly rent burdened. We encounter folks who are one step away from being homeless. The opportunity to be able to work on projects that I know are going to give people safe, comfortable housing – it really is my passion,” Paben said.

When Renaissance Groups takes on a new affordable housing project, the local community is bolstered in many ways. It’s not only the local residents in need of affordable housing that are positively impacted, but also the local contractors who come from a diverse background, many of whom are women or minorities, that receive new opportunities that expand their professional horizons. Additionally, the local laborers who work on the construction site are often paid a prevailing wage that directly benefits their financial well-being.

Recalling moments when she has experienced the direct results of Renaissance Groups’ affordable housing projects, Paben further illustrated the human impact of the company’s work. “I can remember, 25 years ago a single mom who was able to move out of an extremely unfit, deplorable apartment into a beautiful, brand-new apartment, and it still makes me cry to talk about it. This work also allows us to help people of color and women to get opportunities to bid on these jobs, and it’s absolutely life-changing for them. Recently at a conference, I ran into a former client who we helped to start a janitorial business and is getting real jobs now. He said to me, ‘This would never have happened if it weren’t for you. You actually spend time with us,’ and that’s such a big deal for me. I’ve been so blessed that I’m able to make a difference in people’s lives,” stated Paben.

Opportunities to Advance Through Green Jobs

One of the most exciting and innovative projects underway at Renaissance Groups is the recent opening of a Green Economy Lab in Stockton, California in conjunction with the Housing Authority County of San Joaquin. Utilizing a 20,000-square-foot building purchased by the Housing Authority County of San Joaquin, Renaissance Groups is offering a 5-tier training program to help people get access to knowledge and skills needed to attain green economy jobs.

Paben explained the purpose of the training facility as well as the benefits to those who participate in the program. “It’s a place where folks who don’t have an invitation to the party can get involved,” she said. “Right now, we have a 5-tier program to get access to training. For example, if someone doesn’t have a high school diploma, we’ll help them get one. We offer a customer service class. We have an EV charging station installation and maintenance class. We have an EV car mechanic boot camp in which we offer an associate’s degree needed to become an EV car mechanic. Our goal is to get these folks ahead of the curve in this industry and it’s very exciting to get them trained on how to install an EV charging station, for example, because that’s really in its infancy right now.”

Going hand-in-hand with the innovation of the Green Economy Lab, Paben highlighted that the Renaissance Groups team regularly asks for feedback from high-needs communities to find out what they need in order to take advantage of the new opportunities at their doorstep. As part of a 2019 Jobs Plus grant for the Housing Authority in the County of San Joaquin, residents identified three needs they needed help with: transportation, training, and childcare. The grant wrapped up in August of 2023 and through the support offered to the residents that addressed their needs, the average income went up 44%.

Paben explained that this feedback from the community is what kick-started a new wave of strategy to help communities participate in cutting-edge technology and become more self-sufficient. “We started to tackle these needs one-by-one. The training piece is what led to the Green Economy Lab. We’re also really focusing on the transportation piece. By the end of next year, every single public housing site in the area will have a car share service. Even though it’s based in public housing, anyone in the community can rent a car for $4 an hour or $35 for 24 hours. This service, in addition to a van carpool we’re considering, is a huge benefit to the community because the public transportation system isn’t practical for these folks. How are you supposed to get a job if you don’t have reliable transportation? I would say these projects are what really make us innovative, because we’re helping them get what they need so they’re in a position to be at the cutting edge of technology coming down the pike,” Paben emphasized.

Keeping an Open Mind in an Ever-Changing Future

With 30 years of experience under her belt, Paben has learned that a good business plan includes the understanding that new innovations and compliance requirements can change things quickly. “Even though it’s uncommon in the world of business, I’ve never really had a master plan for Renaissance Groups,” said Paben. “In the compliance world, things can change really quickly. In terms of what the future looks and sounds like, I’m following my instincts in terms of what’s coming next. If you had told me five years ago that we’d be opening up a Green Economy Lab, I would have thought you were crazy.”

One plan Paben does have for the future is to hopefully take what the company has learned through its projects in California and implement similar projects in high-needs communities throughout Upstate New York. “I’m a Syracuse girl at heart. If I can figure out a way to bring some of this back to Syracuse and collaborate with people who are forward thinking, that would be monumental,” she said.

No matter what the future holds for Renaissance Groups, however, Paben is committed to remaining true to the goal of helping the people who are at the heart of every project. According to Paben, the way to continue doing just that is by keeping an open mind and being flexible when new challenges and opportunities arise.

“I want people to stop for a minute and think about what’s possible,” Paben said. “There are so many ways to change the world. We just have to think outside the box and be innovative, and really think about how we can use the infrastructure funding that’s out there to change people’s lives. If it’s important, you figure out a way.”

State of Construction Industry

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Earl R Hall, Executive Director – Syracuse Builders Exchange

By most measures, 2023 was a strong year for construction industry employers throughout upstate New York.  Measuring growth can be subjective, however, the increase in membership at the Syracuse Builders Exchange is one standard metric which is objective.  Membership increased to 970 at the end of 2023, with 42 new member employers joining during the year.  Today, the Syracuse Builders Exchange remains the largest construction industry Association in the state of New York.

Another metric used to measure growth is the total number of building projects for bid compared to 2022.  Building projects for bid increased 3.6% from 5,064 in 2022 to 5,244 in 2023.  The increase was driven by continued public investment in the medical, secondary and higher education markets, coupled with strong private capital investments in the industrial, multi-family residential, and commercial markets. 

Central New York is poised to continue sustained construction growth into 2024 with many regional project owners beginning work on such projects as:

  • Onondaga County STEAM School
  • MICRON
  • Turning Stone Expansion
  • Onondaga County Aquarium
  • Syracuse Inner Harbor Development

The continued optimism associated with regional economic development, coupled with increased construction bidding opportunities, is somewhat tampered by a potential recession, lack of adequate skilled labor, increased material costs and aggressive project schedules.  The construction industry is not immune from periodic challenges, but contractors have proven to be resilient over the past century as they continue to deliver finished projects to owners.

Labor will continue to be the most concerning matter going into 2024 as the lack of skilled craftsmen and craftswomen may impact contractors’ abilities to bid additional work and/or to complete tight schedules on time.  Although the building trades’ unions and non-signatory employers have been aggressively attempting to recruit, train, and retain construction workers, such efforts have not produced a labor pool large enough to accommodate the current projects scheduled to being in 2024.  There remains much optimism the abundance of work will attract skilled craftspeople from other geographies throughout the United States.

Labor wages continue to increase at rates upstate New York has rarely seen.  Wage increases vary by trade but have averaged close to 4% per year in the past two years, and in some cases higher.  Such wage increases have been driven by high inflation, huge demand for skilled labor and significant increased costs associated with food, gas, and clothing.   Labor costs and the availability of skilled labor will continue to be of concern throughout the year.

The anticipated economic development to hit central New York will be led by the construction industry.  Although many leaders in the secondary and higher education arenas are focused on careers inside these yet to be built new buildings and facilities, those project owners need to first build those facilities.  Most suburban school districts are a decade behind in developing career and technical education programs, in particular construction career pathways.  And while regional BOCES programs remain vital to the construction industry, those student seats are limited.  The need for a four-year construction curriculum is essential in developing the next generation skilled workforce contractors and project owners desperately needed.  The only way to meet the incredible economic development opportunities that await central New York is to have the skilled work force to build those projects.

 

These issues are not unique to upstate New York as such is prevailing throughout the country.  Although such headwinds are anticipated to continue in the short term, contractors and project owners alike remain resilient and will explore developing alternative methods to deliver a finished project. 

Navigating an Uncertain Economy: Forecasting Manufacturing Needs

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By: Jim D’Agostino

Manufacturers are no strangers to economic uncertainties. Whether facing global financial crises, recessions, trade disruptions, or unexpected events like pandemics, the ability to accurately forecast manufacturing needs becomes even more critical during turbulent economic times. In this quarter’s column, we’ll explore the best strategies to forecast manufacturing needs effectively in an uncertain economy.

Data-Driven Decision-Making: In uncertain economic times, relying on data-driven decision-making is paramount. Manufacturers should invest in advanced analytics and data collection tools to gather real-time data on production, inventory levels, customer orders, and market trends. By leveraging this data, businesses can make informed decisions about production schedules, inventory management, and resource allocation, thereby minimizing risks associated with economic fluctuations.

Scenario Planning, Contingency Planning, and Risk Mitigation: Scenario and contingency planning involves creating multiple hypothetical scenarios based on different economic outcomes. Manufacturers should develop a range of scenarios, from optimistic to pessimistic, to understand the potential impacts of economic changes on their operations, and then they should identify potential risks, assess their impact on production, and develop strategies to mitigate these risks. This proactive approach allows companies to adjust their production strategies swiftly and efficiently in response to different economic scenarios, ensuring resilience in the face of uncertainty. These plans may include workforce adjustments, temporary production slowdowns, or alternative sourcing strategies.

Supply Chain Diversification: Manufacturers often rely on global supply chains, which can be vulnerable during uncertain economic times due to disruptions in transportation, logistics, or raw material availability. Diversifying supply chains by sourcing materials from multiple suppliers or considering localized sourcing options can help mitigate risks associated with supply chain disruptions. This strategy ensures a more reliable flow of materials, reducing the impact of economic uncertainties on manufacturing operations.

Collaboration and Communication: Effective communication and collaboration between various departments within a manufacturing company are crucial during uncertain economic times. Cross-functional teams should regularly share insights and updates regarding market conditions, customer demands, and supply chain disruptions. This collaborative approach helps identify potential bottlenecks and allows for quick adjustments to production plans and inventory levels.

Demand Forecasting and Predictive Analytics: To forecast manufacturing needs accurately in an uncertain economy, manufacturers should invest in demand forecasting tools and predictive analytics. These technologies use historical data, market trends, and customer behavior analysis to predict future demand more accurately. Implementing predictive analytics can help businesses adjust production schedules, optimize inventory levels, and align their resources with expected market fluctuations. Manufacturers should not view their forecasting strategies as static; instead, they should continuously monitor economic indicators, market trends, and customer behavior. By staying vigilant and adaptable, companies can respond swiftly to changing economic conditions and adjust their production plans accordingly. This ongoing monitoring allows for more accurate forecasting in the face of uncertainty.

Lean Manufacturing and Inventory Management: Lean manufacturing principles focus on minimizing waste and optimizing resource utilization. During uncertain economic periods, it’s essential to adopt lean practices to enhance flexibility and reduce costs. Efficient inventory management is a critical component of lean manufacturing, as it ensures that materials are readily available while minimizing excess inventory that can become a financial burden during economic downturns.

Customer-Centric Approach: A customer-centric approach is vital for manufacturers looking to successfully navigate uncertain economic waters. Close communication with customers and a deep understanding of their evolving needs can help manufacturers tailor their production efforts to meet changing demands. This customer-focused strategy not only enhances customer satisfaction but also improves forecasting accuracy.

In uncertain economic environments, forecasting manufacturing needs is a challenging yet essential task. By adopting data-driven decision-making, scenario planning, collaboration, demand forecasting, supply chain diversification, lean manufacturing principles, continuous monitoring, contingency planning, and a customer-centric approach, manufacturers can position themselves to thrive amidst economic uncertainty. These strategies allow manufacturers to adapt, mitigate risks, and make informed decisions, ultimately ensuring their resilience and success in turbulent economic times.

If you are a small or mid-size manufacturer and would like to further the discussion, TDO’s team is fully certified to help. Reach out today to learn more and schedule a free consultation!