The 7 BIGGEST Mistakes Employers Make When Working with their TPA* Not visiting the TPA’s claim offices and sitting “chair-side” with an adjuster. Not meeting the team! Not meeting with all vendors and services offered by the TPA at the beginning of the relationship and periodically thereafter. Not having on site file reviews regularly and …
Workers Comp Articles
The Wellness Program: Proven Methods to Reduce Workers’ Compensation Claims
By Rebecca A. Shafer The majority of the quarter-million dollar and half-million dollar workers compensation claims have a secondary medical issue that complicates recovery and extends the length of time the employee is disabled. Personal medical problems such as obesity, smoking, poor physical condition and diabetes often complicate severe injuries, especially those involving surgical repair, …
Interstate Workers Compensation Insurance
What If You Operate or Do Business in More Than One State? If you are an employer domiciled in one state, but frequently or normally do work in other states including the monopolistic states (Ohio, Washington, North Dakota, and Wyoming – where the state government sells workers compensation insurance), the purchasing of workers compensation insurance …
Managing the Medical Foods Dilemma
Managing the Medical Foods Dilemma A Progressive Medical Services Study Medical foods are increasingly being dispensed to treat cases of chronic disorders and pain associated with on-the-job injuries. Limited clinical evidence of their effectiveness, how they are regulated and ineffective measures to control dispensing, make managing medical foods challenging for workers compensation payors. Read complete …
Reducing Narcotics Abuse in Workers Compensation
Reducing Narcotics Abuse in Workers Compensation (PDF opens in new window) by Tron Emptage, Progressive Medical On-the-job injuries often involve chronic pain and long-term liability for workers compensation payors. Many times, pain from a chronic injury is treated with narcotics. According to the 2010 Progressive Medical Drug Spend Analysis, narcotic spending accounts for 34 percent of …
“Pay As You Go” Workers’ Compensation Programs
Weekly or Monthly Payment Plans for Workers Comp The payment of a large annual lump sum or even quarterly payments for workers’ compensation insurance coverage can be an expense that is difficult to budget for. The cost of buying work comp coverage is based on an estimate of annual payroll at the inception of the …
Sooner Rather Than Later: In the Year 2020 Claim Control Will Begin Earlier in the Process
By Rebecca Shafer, J.D. – September 2010 Sarasota, FL (CompNewsNetwork): As more companies take on more risk through higher risk retentions (higher deductibles and self-insurance) they will likely become more interested in controlling their costs. The best way to do that is to TAKE CHARGE of events EARLY in the life of a claim. The …
Small Businesses and Workers’ Compensation: Help Your Customers Reduce Their WC Costs
By Rebecca Shafer, J.D. – June 2010 Many large employers have programs to cut their workers’ compensation losses. Small employers are run more informally and rarely have such programs – but the need is the same or even greater, as there’s less room for financial error. By getting educated in workers’ compensation management, you can …
What Happens After You Buy Workers’ Comp Insurance?
After your workers’ compensation policy is purchased you can rest assured that your financial obligations for a work-related injury claim will be met and associated expenses paid, however, there’s still work to be done. 1. Read Your Policy This is a contract and you should understand your obligations and the provisions. Talk with your agent …
Must an Employer Maintain a Safe Workplace?
Resoundingly, yes! Critical Component in Reducing or Eliminating Injuries Maintaining a safe workplace is a critical component in reducing or eliminating injuries and lends itself to the opportunity to engage every employee in the effort. Reduction or elimination of injuries decreases an employer’s costs and potentially saves employees from a permanently life-altering injury or illness. …
