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If you’re anything like us, you enjoyed kicking off the New Year with something fun. That usually means work parties, company get-togethers and other festivities. Workplaces have different cultures, and that means they have different ways to celebrate. If yours involves alcohol, it can lead to alcohol-related harm. As we head into 2019, it’s a great time to assess your workplace culture and how alcohol fits into that culture. Alcohol within the culture of a workplace has become the...

With cyberattacks becoming increasingly common among businesses in the health care industry, it’s critical to take every conceivable precaution to protect your data. Yet, many businesses are still of the “it’ll never happen to me” mindset. In this real-life claims scenario, you’ll discover what it’s like to experience a cyberattack as you take the point of view of a provider who suddenly loses access to her data. After you’ve walked in her shoes, you’ll...

It is because of growth, and the incredibly bright future ahead of us that we are elated to announce Affinity Club Underwriters, Caldwell Insurance Services and PT1 Insurance Solutions will now officially be doing business as VGM Insurance Services, effective January 1, 2019. Over the past five years, these companies have grown with us, becoming part of the whole that is VGM Insurance Services, a leader in providing business insurance solutions to the golf, hospitality, and post-acute health care...

Risk management lessons to take into 2019 As we head into another new year, most business owners and providers reflect on what they’ve learned. What went right, what went wrong and what issues need to be addressed in 2019. Every year we learn new lessons to continue to improve. Here’s what 2018 taught us about managing business risks in 2019. #MeToo and What It Means for Your Business According to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the number...

Winter is here. And that means winter weather can cause headaches for business owners no matter where they’re located as they try to keep their properties as safe as possible for employees and customers. But, Accidents DO Happen Try as you might to prevent an employee or customer from being injured due to a slip, trip, or fall, accidents do happen, and sometimes people get hurt. You obviously never want to see someone injured, especially at your business, but injuries that do occur...

On November 27, 2018 CMS held a special open door forum to update Home Health Services providers on the soon to begin review choice demonstration. The van Halem Group participated and took notes for you! Here's what you need to know right now. Who is involved Home health agencies (HHAs) that operate in and render services to Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries in Illinois, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, and Texas AND whom also submit claims to Palmetto GBA, Jurisdiction M MAC. If you...

Decorating for the holidays has become a tradition for clubs across the country. Embracing the festive spirit can bring some yuletide cheer to those who walk through your doors. While this is the time of year to spread joy to the world, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), holiday decorating cause 14,000 hospital visits and over 400 million dollars in structural damages. Ensure a safe environment for everyone when you deck the halls with these simple tips. Decorate safely Before...

Winter has officially settled in, and while the season normally batters northern tier states with frigid temperatures and snow, southern states are not always immune from winter’s wrath. In other words, winter weather can cause headaches for business owners no matter where they’re located as they try to keep their properties as safe as possible for employees and customers. Cold temperatures and snow are of particular concern during winter months, each capable of causing injury to people....

Your employees are your biggest asset, so ensuring a safe work environment is always a priority. By taking an active role in keeping the workplace free of harassment and discrimination, you’re not only protecting your employees while they’re on the job, but yourself and your club from lawsuits, right? Unfortunately, it’s not that simple. From the moment you start the pre-hiring process to the final exit interview – and even long after an employee leaves – you are...

VGM Insurance Services has been named one of Business Insurance magazine’s Best Places to Work for 2018. The annual Best Places to Work in Insurance program recognizes employers for their outstanding performance in establishing workplaces where employees can thrive, enjoy their work and help their companies grow. “We are humbled to be recognized among the more than 1,000 Managing General Agencies (MGAs) nationwide as a Best Places to Work,” said Mike Kloos, president of...