At the IAIABC Annual Convention, Nicholas Trego, Clinical Operations Manager with the Ohio Bureau of Worker’s Compensation discussed their strategies to reduce inappropriate opioid consumption on claims. The State of Ohio is the monopolistic workers’ compensation carrier. The program started in 2014 when they gained access to the Ohio PDMP. This allowed them to access the state database showing all opioid prescriptions that an injured worker was receiving. In 2015 they implemented coverage for nalozone products as part of opioid overdose prevention. Ohio developed a closed drug formula that focused on several things, including whether the medication is causally related
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At the 2017 International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Annual Convention, workers’ compensation regulators from around the nation discussed regulatory and policy issues in their jurisdiction. New Mexico Just filed a 16% decrease in workers’ compensation rates. They are getting push back on that from carriers who feel it is excessive and not supported by continued loss development. Colorado Biggest news this year is implementation of Colorado uninsured employers guarantee fund, which provides benefits for injured workers if their employer was not insured. Assessments cover the costs of this. The assessments may not be sufficient at first
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At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference Lyn Asio-Booz, Chief, California Office of Self Insurance Plans, Jon Wroten, Senior Vice President, Sedgwick CMS, and Joe Carresi, Manager, Workers’ Compensation, Southern California Edison discuss self-insurance trends for 2018.  Benefits of self administration Advocacy based claims model Pharmacy benefit network Return to work programs Cognitive behavioral therapy program for pain Nurse case management program On call claim representative and nurse case manager Better benefit/leave coordination (occupational/non-occupational) Better ability to manage claims in terms of costs Let’s look at a regulator’s perspective  Office of Self Insurance Plans (OSIP) by the numbers 2015 4.33
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What does it mean to return to work for a work related injury versus a non-industrial injury? What is reasonable accommodation? What is are the consequences for failing to accommodate adequately? At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference a panel leads a discussion on return to work and the interactive process. The panel included: · Matthew Graulich, Global Claims Specialist, Whole Foods Market · Megan Sullivan, Managing Partner, Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP · Lisa Aguiar, Managing Partner, Employment Law Section, Michael Sullivan & Associates LLP · Nicole Chappelle, Assistant Vice-President Reserve Administration, Gallagher Bassett Outcome is the same regardless of
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Let’s gain some insight to develop and execute a holistic approach to controlling the cost of claims by: defining your partnerships by performance and outcomes versus service levels and tactics, selecting and quantifying key targets that establish proper focus and accountability on few greatest opportunities to reduce your costs of risk, integrating a comprehensive data management plan for better decision making and accountability, and implementing and executing data driven solutions that are proven to reduce loss cost. At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference a panel of experts dives into these costs saving ideas.The panel included: · Kevin Grady, Managing
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Millions of dollars are spent annually on treating low back pain (LBP). It accounts for one third of all occupational musculoskeletal injuries and illnesses resulting in work disability. At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference a panel of experts discuss lower back pain and the latest research. The panel included: · Michael Rosenthal, Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program, San Diego State University · Matthew Walsworth, MD, PT Interventional Radiologist, West Los Angeles VA Medical Center and Faculty Member, University of California, Los Angeles · Jennifer Christian, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer, Webility Corporation · Angela DeBortoli,
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At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference, Out Front Ideas host Mark Walls lead a conversation with a panel of risk managers around best practices around a wide variety of topics.  The panel of speakers include:  · Tamara Ciraulo, Director Insurance Administration, Stater Bros. · Monica M. Lichtenstein, AVP Strategic Claims Operations, Aramark · Dawn Watkins, Director, Integrated Disability Management, Los Angeles Unified School District · Mark Walls, Vice President Communications & Strategic Analysis, Safety National (moderator)  What key performance indicators does your company measure? -Starting to measure how often or when does a person get litigated -tracking frequency and
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Understanding why attacks occur and how to prevent a catastrophe in your workplace is vital to keeping your workplace safe. At the 2017 CWC and Risk conference experts from Riverside Community College District and County of San Bernardino come together to discuss what an active shooter is and why they do what they do, how to train your employees, and how to recover its operations after an event. The speakers include: · Michael Simmons, Director, Risk Management, Riverside Community College District · Robert Gunzel, Chief of Police, Riverside Community College District · Ken Hernandez, Director of Risk Management, County of San
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Impending risks of an aging workforce are hot topics in executive meetings across the globe. The statistics are compelling. The workforce is steadily aging, a reflection of declining birth rates and the graying of the baby boom generation. The percentage of the U.S. workforce between the ages of 55 and 64, for example, is growing faster than any other age group. With this dramatic demographic shift comes inherent health risks and an increase in problematic presenteeism. The workforces shifting age welcomes unfortunate chronic disorders. During a session at the CWC and Risk conference a panel is experts discuss chronic pain
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At the 2017 California Workers’ Compensation and Risk Conference, a panel discussed how ride sharing services can assist in providing transportation on worker’s compensation claims. The speakers included: Joseph McCullough – Senior VP of Transportation and Translation, One Call Care Management Nadir Vissanjy – Strategy Manager for Healthcare, Government & Education Partnerships, Lyft, Inc. America’s love affair with owning an automobile seems to be tapering off. A lower percentage of  16 year olds are getting a drivers license than in past years. Much of this seems to be related to the increased presence of ride sharing services. These days, people
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