Why Good Writing Skills Matter

By Denise Johnson | February 23, 2012

  • February 23, 2012 at 11:50 am
    Tom in Iowa says:
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    U R SO RT. LOL
    Texting has created a slippery slope.
    From one who choses words carefully.

  • February 23, 2012 at 8:37 pm
    Jacob Alden says:
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    We subscribe to Dr. Blake’s email updates, and completely agree with this article. Many insurance companies choose to outsource this work to professional transcription firms that specialize in the art of letter writing. HomeTech, Inc. is a national vendor of transcription services to the claims industry, and employs native English speakers based in Seattle, Washington. All of our office staff have English degrees from the University of Washington. We work with over 70 carriers that have come to the same realization as Dr. Blake: let the carriers focus on being insurance experts. Leave the letter writing to the transcription experts.

  • February 23, 2012 at 8:45 pm
    Jacob Alden says:
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    Agreed. This is why so many insurance carriers hire transcription firms. HomeTech, Inc. is a national transcription vendor based in Seattle, Washington. We transcribe for over 70 of the top claims companies across the nation. Our office staff is comprised of graduates from the University of Washington’s English Language Department. We subscribe to Dr. Blake’s emails, and wholeheartedly agree with this article. Let the insurance companies be experts at risk, and let the transcription companies be the experts at the art of writing.

  • February 25, 2012 at 8:35 am
    ebony says:
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    The quality of writing and communications skills are directly related to the skill level of the person that is hired. What I have noticed from many job posting, the requirements are minimal years experience (0-2 years or, no experience required, a college degree, (in what?). Some disciplines/majors do not require advanced writing skills, therefore you will get writing skill level of a high school graduate. If the job requirements are minimal experience and “a degree” in ANYTHING, then it will reflect the quality of the work across the board.

    The same is true in “loyalty promotions.

    • March 13, 2012 at 2:05 pm
      PJ says:
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      Nonsense! A high school graduate should be able to write a simple business letter, which most insurance letters are. With the exception of some coverage letters, advanced writing skills are rarely necessary. I have seen some horribly writen letters from attorneys on both sides of the fence.

  • February 26, 2012 at 3:28 pm
    Bartleby the Scrivener says:
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    I was unaware that ‘as per’ was considered to be stylistically negative and find myself flinching at my regular violation of this protocol.

    -Bartleby

  • February 27, 2012 at 12:13 pm
    Irene Ochoa says:
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    From my many years experience, I’ve learned while claims’ writing is bad, their telephone conversations are worse. Especially regarding tone and more importantly regarding coverage issues. Regrettably, virtually none are recorded (despite the warnings). I generally advise clients to request written confirmation regarding anything questionable and not to accept verbal denials of coverage or any portion of their claim. Amazing how many issues, requirements and exclusions go away before they get put on paper. BTW, I’m far from perfect. I know it not foolproof, but I thank God for spell and grammar check.



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