Oakland, CA – The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) will conduct a live webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. (Pacific) on Thursday, February 20 to introduce workers’ compensation professionals to the new Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Rules of Practice and Procedure that took effect January 1 of this year. The 90-minute program, presented by CWCI… [Read more]
Claims, Legal, & Compliance News
TDI-DWC Announces Staffing Changes
Austin, TX – The Texas Department of Insurance’s Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC) recently announced several staffing changes involving some of its legal professionals: Deputy Commissioner of Legal Services: Kara Mace Kara Mace will serve as the deputy commissioner for the newly created Legal Services program. Legal Services will handle rule development, open records, litigation,… [Read more]
Out Front Ideas Webinar: Are Societal Views Impacting Liability Costs?
St. Louis, MO – Out Front Ideas with Kimberly and Mark recently announced its next complimentary webinar, which will examine whether societal views are impacting liability costs, and how. OFI noted that one of the driving factors of social inflation is a general anti-establishment sentiment that exists publicly today. So how can this perception affect the… [Read more]
WC Benchmarking Study Webinar to Compare Claims Leader & Frontline Staff Perspectives
Chicago, IL – Rising Medical Solutions recently announced that experts from its seventh annual Workers’ Compensation Benchmarking Study will share the most recent research findings in an upcoming webinar entitled “Comparing Claims Leader & Frontline Staff Perspectives,” this free webinar will take place on Wednesday, February 12, 2020, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. EST.… [Read more]
CA WCIRB Releases Study on Impact of Physical Medicine on Opioid Use and Lost Time
Oakland, CA – The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) recently released a new study, Physical Medicine Treatments and Their Impact on Opioid Use and Lost Time in California Workers’ Compensation. The study reveals insights into the overall trends and patterns of physical medicine treatment cost and utilization. It quantifies the potential substitution… [Read more]
Helmsman Management Services Closes Acquisition of TPA Eberle Vivian
Boston, MA – Helmsman Management Services (HMS), Liberty Mutual’s wholly owned third-party administrator, has announced the close of its previously announced deal to acquire Eberle Vivian Inc., a well-respected regional third-party administrator (TPA) serving the Pacific Northwest. “The acquisition – and the continuation of the strong Eberle Vivian brand as an operating unit within Helmsman… [Read more]
Guest Post: Three Ways Workers’ Compensation Insurers Can Reduce Opioid Addiction
By Dwight Robertson, M.D., Medical Director, EMPLOYERS The U.S. opioid crisis has riddled news headlines, impacted healthcare policy, influenced political debate and discourse, and affected thousands of lives across the country. Every day, more than 130 people die from an opioid overdose. Opioids are among the most commonly prescribed painkillers for injuries covered by workers’… [Read more]
TDI-DWC: Medical Facility Convicted of Workers’ Compensation Fraud
Austin, TX – A Houston medical facility recently pled guilty in a Travis County District Court to workers’ compensation fraud and was ordered to pay $30,000 in restitution. EME International, owned by Christine Caldwell of Marblehead, MA was convicted of a 3rd degree felony. Her facility billed Texas Mutual Insurance for two to four-hour Functional… [Read more]
2019 WC Benchmark Study Report Compares Claims Leader & Frontline Staff Perspectives
Chicago, IL – With an estimated 140.3 million U.S. workers receiving workers’ compensation benefits, frontline claims professionals are personally responsible for managing a total economic outlay of nearly $100 billion dollars in benefits paid annually. Coupled with the industry’s talent crisis – with an imminent mass exodus of retiring claims professionals and challenges attracting young… [Read more]
Mitchell | Genex Announces Acquisition of CompAlliance
San Diego, CA – Mitchell | Genex, a leader in technology solutions, medical cost containment, and disability management has announced its acquisition of CompAlliance, an established provider of managed care services, including its Preferred Provider Organization (PPO), Medical Bill Review, Case Management, Utilization Review, and 24-hour Nurse Triage. Financial Terms were not disclosed. With this… [Read more]