Physical therapy (PT) is essential to helping injured workers return to work, and its benefits are clear. However, there are many reasons why an injured worker might not be able to get to PT—whether it’s transportation issues, mobility issues, a disability, or because they live in an underserved community. With the COVID-19 pandemic here for… [Read more]
Featured Articles
Stability and Progress Are Crucial During Uncomfortable Times
In the words of contemporary artist Michael John Bobak, “All progress takes place outside the comfort zone.” As the entire world continues to swirl in COVID-19 surrealism, this statement seems to ring true now more than ever. There’s no getting around it – as the economy grinds to a halt, and entire sectors shut down,… [Read more]
Keeping Your Teams Engaged in a Changing World
The world is currently facing many uncertainties, including a sweeping surge of work from home requirements. When your employees are suddenly required to work from home, and face-to-face communication is all but eliminated, how do you continue to engage your teams and ensure their success? Thankfully, in the age of technology, the ability to engage… [Read more]
Rise of The Gig Economy: The Employee/Contractor Debate Builds
What constitutes an independent contractor versus an employee? California’s Assembly Bill 5 (AB 5) is the first piece of legislation to look at reclassifying gig workers as employees. And it’s started a national debate. Sedgwick’s Vice President Workers’ Compensation, Scotty Benton, shares his expertise. First things first. What’s a gig economy? Working “gigs” isn’t a… [Read more]
Conversation Threads for 2020: Industry Trends to Focus On In the Year Ahead
What industry trends will impact businesses in 2020? By finding the common threads that connect us all, we can come together and explore everything from consumer experience to digital development. Ushering in a new decade means new conversations, new complexities, new and exciting trends to weave into our existing ways of doing things. While the… [Read more]
A New Age Risk: Preparing for the Physician Shortage in Workers’ Comp
The aging workforce has been identified as a risk to workers’ compensation medical claims, primarily because older populations sometimes require more complex treatment, which can mean higher medical costs and increased compensable time. Recognizing that older workers are highly valued for their experience and good judgment, there is good evidence to support the notion that… [Read more]
Life for Injured Workers After Settlement
By Porter Leslie, President of Ametros “A good claim is a closed claim,” is a phrase often overheard in risk manager and claims adjuster circles. Employers, insurance carriers and other workers’ compensation payers tend to focus on settling claims, and phrases like this reinforce a one-dimensional view to settlement – as a way for the… [Read more]
Texting, TeleConnect and Touches
By Vonesa Wenzel, Partner, HomeCare Connect Healthcare texting has gained traction as physician practices and some managed care companies incorporate texts into patient communications, often to send appointment reminders and clinic directions. Studies show that healthcare texts can improve compliance with treatment and lead to behavioral changes, including smoking cessation, weight loss, and diabetes management.… [Read more]
Look to Your Data for Opportunities to Improve Your Workers’ Comp Program
Data is a great resource for improving workers’ compensation programs. At NWCDC this fall, two separate sessions will help you figure out which metrics deserve your attention. With mounds of data at their disposal, workers’ compensation managers and financial executives might find it difficult to know exactly which metrics can help them create programs that… [Read more]
Uncovering the Root Cause of Pain Through Physical Therapy
By Michelle Despres, PT, CEAS II, CETS VP, National Product Leader for Physical Therapy, One Call Musculoskeletal disorders – injury or pain in joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves and tendons – are the second largest contributor to disability worldwide, with lower back pain being the single leading cause of disability globally. Some disorders arise suddenly and… [Read more]