We have a drug problem. Americans consume more opioids than anyone else in the world. We are also among the highest consumers of marijuana. As a nation, we continue to rely on passive treatments for chronic conditions, instead of active management. There is widespread acceptance of marijuana in the United States. A recent Quinnipiac University… [Read more]
Featured Articles
The Future is Now: Real Results of RelayRIDE
Do you remember watching movies like “AI” or “Short Circuit” and trying to envision a world where machines could think for themselves? That reality seemed an improbable distant future, but believe it or not, that future is now. Machine learning has become a reality, and we see it in our everyday life as we interact… [Read more]
Your Medical Bill Review Process: Would it Pass or Fail a Health Check?
In workers’ compensation, the medical bill review process should be designed to optimally and strategically capture savings and impact outcomes. However, what you may not realize, especially if you’ve used the same vendor for a number of years, is your process may have lost its edge and, consequently, dull your ability to compete in the marketplace. In today’s climate…[Continue Reading]
4 Current and Near-Future Drug Trends Impacting Rx Management
Prescription drug management is a complex area marked by constant change, requiring continuous evaluation, development and implementation of strategies to stay ahead of current and future trends. The following topics represent just a few of the ongoing and upcoming drug trends that impact workers’ comp pharmacy management. With treatment guidelines and public opinion pushing back on opioids, current research is exploring…[Continue Reading]
Patient-Centered Strategies for Better Outcomes
If we look back just 20 years in our history, it is easy to see how far the field of managed physical medicine has come. In years past, carriers and TPAs had no way to effectively manage the utilization of physical therapy, occupational therapy or chiropractic services. Without managed care specialists or clinical treatment guidelines in place, claims professionals often lacked the clinical expertise or the administrative resources to effectively…[Continue Reading]
Matching the Right Person to the Right Job
Josh is the newest employee to join your team as a general laborer and so far, has been a great new hire. He works efficiently and gets tasks done in a timely manner. One day, Josh comes into work, starts his daily routine and pulls a muscle in his back while moving a load of boxes. He is now unable to work and starts down the path of filing a workers’ compensation claim. Sound familiar? [Continue Reading]
Diversity Training: How to Handle LGBTQ Issues with Cultural Sensitivity
Cultural competency has gained a stronger foothold in health care over the past decade. Still, while strategies to provide care without bias have helped reduce disparities among minority populations, the same can’t be said for those in the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community. Lack of trust between patient and provider can have a significant impact in workers’ comp. Statistics from the Institute of Medicine…[Continue Reading]
Are You a Leader or a Laggard in Quality IME Practices?
In workers’ compensation, the independent medical examination (IME) serves as a powerful tool to help claims professionals make difficult determinations, regarding the cause of an injury, appropriate treatment, impairment and disability, as well as return-to-work issues. To make these determinations accurately, the industry needs a quality IME process that preserves the original intent of these exams – which is to obtain…[Continue Reading]
Navigating 2018: Charting Risk and Benefits Industry Trends For the Year
What trends should employers watch to stay ahead of the curve in 2018? Issues and strategies to navigate include: compounding global risks, shifting tide of policy, bridging the gaps, leveraging interdisciplinary care, and improving experience through technology. At Sedgwick, taking care of our clients and their employees and customers is very important to us. We recognize that 2018 will be a year of change in…[Continue Reading]
Driving On-Demand Connections to Care
As patient-centric technology becomes more mainstream, providing flexible, on-demand access to healthcare remains a top priority at One Call. Injured workers demand real-time connections to care, improved patient engagement and quicker outcomes. One Call is taking the driver’s seat in the workers’ compensation industry, changing the landscape…[Continue Reading]