“Sitting is as bad as smoking.” 10,000 Americans a day turn 65, increasing the possibility of comorbid conditions on claims. Claims with a comorbidity diagnosis are increasing. A comorbid diagnosis can give the provider, injured worker and payer more realistic expectations for return to work and recovery. Eric Patten, Director of Clinical Management and Complex […]

As claims drag on, injured workers may start believing that their injuries, disabilities and chronic pain are worse than they actually are. They may perceive the workers’ compensation system is treating them unjustly and withdraw from work and social activities, fueling further catastrophic thinking and fear. This session at the 24th Annual National Workers’ Compensation […]

At the 2015 Paradigm Innovation Symposium, Teresa Ashman, PhD, ABPP-Rp, FACRM, Director of Neurorehabilitation Psychology, Shepherd Center, presented a session discussing the importance of addressing psychological issues in the treatment of catastrophic injury claims. The best chance for a successful recovery following a catastrophic injury, such as a spinal cord injury (SCI) or traumatic brain […]

At the 2015 Paradigm Innovation Symposium, Renée-Louise Franche, PhD, RPsych, Clinical Psychologist and Consultant in Work Disability Prevention and Occupational Health, presented a session discussing why mental health issues are so important in workers’ compensation. Mental health issues in injured workers can no longer be ignored. These conditions are increasingly being recognized as potential risk […]

At the 2015 Harbor Health MPN Medical Directors Meeting, a panel discussed current issues impacting workers’ compensation. The panel consisted of: Dr. Tedd Blatt (moderator) Dr. Craig Uejo Dr. Don Dinwoodie Dr. Minh Nguyen Dr. Kayvon Yadidi Question: What are the things physicians can do or should do to improve workers’ compensation? Physicians need to […]

At the 2015 National Council of Self-Insurers Annual Meeting, Safeway discussed their claims early intervention program. The presenters were Anita Weir, Director of Medical & Disability Management and Denise Gillen-Algire, Director of Managed Care & Disability. Understanding the Dynamics of Delayed Recovery: A small number of claims drives a large percentage of the costs. Clinically […]

At the National Council of Self-Insurers Annual Meeting, Dr. Robert Barth presented a session discussing some medical management issues that can have a significant impact on the well being of injured workers and also save employers money. Dr. Barth’s main hypotheses were: Non-work-related factors are driving the overwhelming majority of workers’ compensation costs. Workers’ compensation […]