Cambridge, MA – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) recently released a new study, Hospital Outpatient Payment Index: Interstate Variations and Policy Analysis, 10th Edition, which compares hospital payments for a group of common outpatient surgeries in workers’ compensation across 36 states from 2005 to 2019. “Rising hospital outpatient costs have been a focus for… [Read more]
Top Stories
Paradigm Appoints Two Key Executive Leaders
Walnut Creek, CA – Paradigm recently announced the appointment of two individuals to newly created executive leadership positions. Joining the organization are Tom Mafale as Chief Growth Officer and Jason Cooper as Chief Data and Analytics Officer. The addition of these two senior leadership roles represents an essential step in Paradigm’s vision for strategic growth… [Read more]
AMERISAFE Announces Appointment of Mary Ellen Hamel as Senior Vice President of Sales
DeRidder, LA – AMERISAFE, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMSF) recently announced that Mary Ellen Hamel has joined the company as Senior Vice President of Sales. Mary Ellen comes to AMERISAFE with more than 20 years of insurance and leadership experience, most recently serving as Divisional President of the Republic Companies. In addition to progressively responsible sales roles… [Read more]
CA Construction Co Owner Arrested in Nearly $1 Million Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme
Fresno, CA – The California Department of Insurance recently announced that Carolyn Plaza of Fresno self-surrendered on May 6, 2021, after a warrant for her arrest was issued on six felony counts of insurance fraud. A complaint filed on April 16, 2021, alleges Plaza underreported more than $3 million in employee payroll in order to… [Read more]
US DOL Awards $103M to Five State for Strategies to Keep Ill, Injured Workers in Workforce
Washington, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the award of five grants totaling more than $103 million to five state agencies to continue and expand pilot projects to help newly injured and ill workers remain in the workforce. Agencies in Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Ohio and Vermont will receive funds to begin the… [Read more]
Origami Risk Expands Online Solutions for EHS Professionals
Chicago, IL – Origami Risk recently announced the launch of four new online safety and risk management tools, expanding its suite of web-based and mobile solutions for environment, health, and safety (EHS) professionals. “As part of their focus on building strong safety cultures and driving operational excellence, EHS professionals must lead and manage a wide… [Read more]
TN BWC Now Accepting Nominations for 2021 Sue Ann Head Award
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation recently announced it is accepting nominations for the third annual Sue Ann Head Award for Excellence in Workers’ Compensation. Nominees must have been involved in the Tennessee workers’ compensation system for a minimum of five years in one of the following categories: Employer or employer’s representative… [Read more]
CA Construction Firm Owner Pleads to Workers’ Comp Fraud
Santa Clara, CA – The owner of a large Bay Area construction firm, admitted to committing felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud after years of firing employees when they requested medical treatment for work-related injuries. Between 2016 and 2019, Man Tat Szeto of San Ramon avoided approximately $86,000 in premium payments to his insurer by underreporting… [Read more]
WCRI Webinar: Reoperation & Readmission Rates for Workers’ Comp Lumbar Surgery Patients
Cambridge, MA – The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) will host a one-hour webinar on Thursday, May 27, 2021, at 2 p.m. ET on its study Reoperation & Readmission Rates for Workers’ Compensation Patients Undergoing Lumbar Surgery. The authors of the study, Dr. Rebecca Yang and Dr. Randy Lea, will discuss its key findings and… [Read more]
CA State Fund Releases 2020 Annual Report
Pleasanton, CA – State Compensation Insurance Fund (State Fund) recently released its 2020 Annual Report. The report outlines how State Fund maintained its financial strength while continuing to support its policyholders and injured workers during a uniquely challenging year. In his president’s letter accompanying the financial report, State Fund President & CEO Vern Steiner discusses… [Read more]