Time to Talk Tech

New technologies are reshaping the world in which we live, and advancements are accelerating faster than at any other time in our history. Further, this trend is expected to continue. From expanded data-mining capabilities, to the use of telemedicine for treatment, to expanded communication channels, technology is changing the way that organizations protect and care for today’s workers.

The panel for this session at the 2018 WCI conference included:

Scott Westman, CPCU, CRM, CIC, ARM, SCLA, Senior Vice President – Casualty Operations, Sedgwick Claims Management Services, Inc. (moderator)

Dave Loyless, Senior Risk Manager, TBC Corporation

Nathan Hughes, Director Risk Management, Safelite Glass

Tracey Radford, Vice President of Managed Care Client Services, Sedgwick CMS

Ann Schnure, Vice President Telemedicine Operations, Concentra

Telehealth, artificial intelligence, and virtual and augmented reality hold particular potential for program application and may ultimately help redefine the industry as we know it. Big Data will vary by company. When you get the information, you need to make sure it is accurate. There is so much information out there so important to make sure you are looking at accurate data before analyzing it. The numbers might not tell the whole story so you might have to dig into it. Data is only purposeful if you can use it.

Previously, companies have only looked at some data and made conclusions on high level metrics. Now companies are starting to look at a more broad scope of metrics such as job descriptions as well as that previous claim data. Companies now use an advocacy based model for better user experience for the injured workers.

Companies can move to a pre-habilitation support group to help the injured worker understand the process and how to minimize their anxiety. Patients rate surgery scarier than job loss, incarceration and a serious car accident. Surgery nurses are excellent resources for education and guidance. The average surgery claim cost is nine times higher than a non-surgery claim. Anxiety and depression can drive persistent opioid use. Companies see the need to minimize the anxiety around these issues with pre-hab groups.

Telemedicine falls under the umbrella of digital medicine. All you need is a smartphone to have telemedicine. Telemedicine is still not live in all 50 states. Telemedicine is great for low level injuries but not high level injuries. This is right for the right people, no need to force it on people who are not ready for it yet. The great news from a telemedicine visit is immediate answers. You will leave that meeting with your instructions for your injury and you didn’t even need to leave the office for this visit. It is virtual care but its still carries the same value as any in person care.