We all know how much pre-existing conditions can affect the outcomes of your claims. They can prolong disability time frames, exponentially increase claim costs, and more. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, a medical panel discussed the barriers that can occur from comorbidities and how to avoid their associated pitfalls. Speakers included: Zack Craft – VP Complex Claim | MTI America Dr. Mark Glencross – Director of Occupational Medicine | Tampa General Hospital Teddy Gonzalez – Vice-President | Field Case Managers Dr. Steve Weber – Physician | Orlando Orthopedic Center Impact on Claims In a recent NCCI study,
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At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, presenters provided an in-depth review of strategies, tools, and innovations to assist employers with Return to Work (RTW) initiatives. Uncovering the resources for employers to prioritize Return to Work programs, this session discusses the latest technology trends, artificial intelligence, and how the human touch helps promote workplace safety upon return. Highlighting this presentation was forum of speakers including: Max Topper – PHC Jennifer Cogbill – Senior Vice President, Gallagher Bassett Services  Ania Caruso – SE Regional Casualty Practice Leader, Arthur J. Gallagher and Company Rosa Royo – Director of Workers’ Compensation, Miami
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Social media has revolutionized our daily lives, as it provides an outlet for constant recognition and acknowledgment. How do we maintain employee advocacy while still thoroughly investigating a claim? What investigative tools can we utilize to achieve the best outcome for the employee and the employer? Should we investigate to confirm or deny an employee’s claim? In this session at WCI’s 2023 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, a panel discussed how employers and business partners can navigate these decisions while maintaining employee advocacy and limiting litigation. Speakers included: Crystal Chancey – Claims Manager | Publix Super Markets, Inc. Steve Figliuolo –
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One of the leading causes of work-related injuries is slip, trip, and fall claims. To address this business risk, it is important we understand what causes these events, and determine the standard of care and best practices to consider when looking for solutions and risk treatment options. In this session at WCI’s 2023 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, Jim Smith, National Risk Control Regional Leader at Arthur J. Gallagher, reviewed contributory causes, standards of care, accident investigation techniques, and methods to prevent or address common slip, trip, and fall claims. Launching a Prevention Campaign Slip, trip, and fall claims carry a
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Are you using the benefits provided by your insurance partners to their maximum benefit? Are you familiar with available training resources? Are your loss runs customized to fit the goals of your organization? Between the analytical capabilities of your TPA, the on-site training and specialized services of your excess carrier, and the business management insight of your broker, there are several resources at your disposal to improve your insurance program. Best of all, the right combination can help control rising claim costs. In this session at the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, Kevin O’Sadnick, Senior Risk Control Manager at
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has received increasing attention in the media, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic and amidst what seems to be an epidemic of many mass shootings. Such attention draws concern that diagnosis may be overutilized or misunderstood. A panel of experts recently broke down the diagnostic criteria for PTSD at the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference. Learn how certain factors affect conditions to confound the diagnosis and review recommended options for early intervention and treatment. The speaking panel included: Michael Lacroix – Medical Director, The Hartford Ins. Co. Melina Griss – Medical Director, The Hartford Nikki Wilson
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According to OSHA, an estimated two million employees are victims of workplace violence (WPV) each year. Without proper preparation, workplace violence can cause detrimental and far-reaching effects on multiple dimensions of an organization. Economic issues are to be expected, but the one element typically absorbing the most damage is the most important asset to an organization– its people. During the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, attendees received a comprehensive lesson on the multi-dimensional nature of workplace violence, but more importantly,  how to prevent, mitigate, or manage it. In this session, speaker Oscar Villanueva provided key insights for positioning organizations
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We have seen significant shifts in many aspects of the employment environment over the last several years – generational workforce changes, expectation of remote work options, cultural and societal shifts, and wage inflation to name a few. Additionally, we have seen a significant increase in the use of technology in all aspects of our lives, which in turn increased exponentially the amount of data for analyzing, predicting, and projecting trends and tendencies. At the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, a panel discussed the opportunities for inclusion of greater data elements in the process, how this data can indicate trends
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For the first time in history, five different generations make up the workplace. What kind of challenges does this present for today’s employers, and how does a generational workforce affect one’s ability to manage people? In this session from the 2023 Workers’ Compensation Institute Educational Conference, expert Risk Managers identify key traits, beliefs, and life experiences that mark each generation. Learn about all the evolving factors influencing work, communication, and response to change.  Speakers included: Valerie Horton – Risk Manager, City of Tampa Regina Lock – Account Executive/Risk Manager, McGriff Insurance Services Defining the Five Generations 1. Traditionalists (1925 –
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The medical care and recovery environment of an injured worker largely determines the outcome of a workers’ compensation claim. New medical technology, expanded telehealth, and AI have all contributed to the effectiveness of this process, offering a more holistic approach. In this session at WCI’s 2023 Workers’ Compensation Educational Conference, a panel discussed what medical care for workers’ compensation might look like in the future and what issues to monitor in the months ahead. Speakers included: Virginia Baba – Senior Manager – Claims – Risk Management | PetSmart Teresa Bartlett – Managing Director, Senior Medical Officer | Sedgwick Michele Maffei
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