Reprinted with Permission of Risk Management Monitor.
Bloggin’ ain’t easy. Doing it well takes commitment, research, accuracy, and regular postings. And, of course, a knack for writing. The staff of Risk Management has a few favorite blogs that we visit on a regular basis for their insight, knowledge, and timeliness. The following are 10 of our favorite risk management and insurance blogs:
1. The Call: Foreign Policy magazine’s blog posts are authored by Ian Bremmer, president of the global risk research and consulting firm Eurasia Group. The blog uses political science to analyze the future of politics and the global economy. When it comes to industry blogs, this one is my personal favorite.
2. Terms + Conditions: The Insurance Information Institute’s blog covers current disasters, risks, laws, regulations and market conditions, among other topics. Claire Wilkinson, vice president for global issues at III, has done a great job of posting timely articles first thing in the morning, and it seems she’s been joined recently by James Lynch, a veteran insurance professional and blogger.
3. Clear Risk: The company itself works with organizations to help improve their risk management techniques and the blog, managed by Craig Rowe, covers the various aspects of risk management and insurance in a well-organized and easy to read manner.
4. Schneier on Security: Bruce Schneier, a security technologist and author, manages this blog, which focuses on security and security technology. He has testified on security before the United States Congress and has written articles for some of the world’s biggest publications. Schneier, an opinionated tech man, knows what he’s talking about — and it shows in every post.
5. Workers’ Comp Kit Blog: This blog covers (you guessed it) everything relating to the world of workers’ comp. It acts as a discussion forum for employers to learn about workers’ comp cost containment, techniques and strategies. The blog is managed by Rebecca Shafer, and attorney and risk consultant, and features posts by more than 30 other professionals. Though the format of the blog can be somewhat distracting (ads galore), the content is useful.
6. GC Capital Ideas: The website, a part of reinsurance intermediary Guy Carpenter, refers to itself as more of a platform from which it disseminates information that has been published through reports, briefings and bylined articles. I refer to it as a blog and its information is has proved valuable to our team on more than one occasion.
7. Calculated Risk: This blog offers a sophisticated analysis of economic data, from consumer sentiment to the mortgage and housing industry to the banking industry. Managed by Bill McBride, a full-time blogger with a background in finance and economics, Calculated Risk proves successful at turning complicated technical data into useful information for the masses. McBride publishes several posts per day.
8. Political Risk Explored: Brian Hasbrouck, a man with a serious interest in the international political economy, manages this blog. PRE’s short and sweet posts pull from other publications or reports that the blog’s readers may have never come across on their own. The blog’s simple format makes it easy to navigate and read and the Twitter feed embedded on the right-hand side is an added bonus.
9. Product Liability Monitor: This blog was created by attorneys in the Weil product liability practice and discusses key trends, developments, and events that have shaped and are shaping the product liability landscape. The blog’s clean format is something to be imitated.
10.The FCPA Blog: Its simple name leaves no guesses as to what it covers — news and views about the United States Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Managed by Richard Cassin, the multiple daily posts gives readers a grim reminder of the oft-corrupt corporate world and analysis of the FCPA’s actions.
If you think we have left off an important blog related to the industry, please let us know in the comments section below.
Author: Emily Holbrook on
February 25, 2011.
The
Risk Management Monitor is the official blog of Risk Management magazine and provides daily stories, commentary, interviews, podcasts, and videos related to the world of risk management and insurance. The editors of the Risk Management Monitor are Jared Wade, Emily Holbrook, and Morgan O’Rourke. Learn more at: Risk Management Monitor.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
With more than 140 workshops and sessions, registration is now open for the Oregon Governors Occupational Safety and Health (GOSH) Conference. The largest event of its kind in the Northwest, the conference will be held March 7-10, at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland.
On Wednesday, March 9, the event features a moderated panel discussion with four Northwest business leaders. Management from L & M Industrial Fabrication, River Point Farms, Dallas Retirement Village, and Christie Care will share their perspectives on the importance of safety and health within their organizations.(WCxKit)
“This is a unique opportunity to hear from small business leaders on how to achieve management commitment and employee participation in safety and health,” said Michael Wood, Oregon OSHA administrator. “I believe their tools for success could apply to any organization.”
Other general topics covered at conference include:
1. Safety committee training
2. What to expect from an OSHA inspection
3. Hazard communication
4. Advanced accident investigation
The conference also will feature session tracks on specialties such as health care, ergonomics, construction, emergency preparedness and response, alternative energy, safety for school districts, workplace culture and wellness.
For more information on the conference schedule, events or to register, go to
www.oregongosh.com
Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
When a claims file auditor reviews a claim file for the first time, the claims auditor will normally see one of three types of file organization.
The three types of file organization are:
1. The jumbled mess. In the jumbled mess file, there is no organized approach to the file. File documentation has been added haphazardly with medical documentation mixed with state forms mixed with claim investigation mixed with indemnity documentation, etc. The adjuster is relying on memory to handle the claim as locating anything in the file is very time consuming. Fortunately, the jumbled mess is becoming a dinosaur as most companies are now using computerized files where the computer programming sort documentation into varies types (though some careless adjusters can make even computerized files a jumbled mess by placing documentation in the wrong category).
2. The chronological file. In the chronological file, everything is in the date order by when the file documentation was received. The chronological file can be either with the most recent information on top (paper files) or first displayed (electronic files), or with the oldest information on top (paper files) or oldest information displayed first (electronic files).
3. The organized section file. This is the claims auditors dream. The file is broken down into clearly identified sections for claim investigation documentation, medical documentation, indemnity documentation, state forms, hearings & legal documentation, medical management documentation, vocational rehabilitation documentation, etc. The documentation is in each section is then organized by date or other clearly identifiable procedure.
I don't think there is any good outcome to sloppy file handling where one losses details that may be necessary for defense in the future. A neat, orderly file allows you to hand off the file to another employee for additional handling. This is critical to department efficiency. Short term thinking where things are tossed randomly into the file without any organization will ultimately cost more. You might save time the first time you toss something into the file, but next time you need it then have to hunt it will take TWICE the time and if you are looking for a detail to give your defense attorney or your medical advisor to allow them to create a detailed IME cover letter, having those details is necessary.
Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. www.LowerWC.com Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com .
WC IQ TEST: http://www.workerscompkit.com/intro/
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
The January issue of the journal Anesthesiology examines the issue of burnout among anesthesiologists.
Two studies provide significant burnout statistics among these highly trained medical specialists, and editorials offer personal perspective on the issue as well as advice on how best to avoid professional burnout.
Physicians at both ends of their career are at high risk for burnout. In particular, more research is needed to better understand why so many young physicians are suffering burnout early in their careers.
In one study, researchers at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine developed an online survey given to all medical personnel in a preoperative unit.
“We found that physicians, particularly residents, had less job satisfaction and personal support than nurses or nurse anesthetists,” said Steve Hyman, M.D., M.M., Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. “The results showed that physicians, especially younger ones, had higher levels of cynicism and emotional exhaustion and are at a high risk of burnout. This is a particularly troubling finding as we look to the future of Americas health care system. We need a strong young physician base.”
The online survey included demographics, a modified version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey, and the Social Support and Personal Coping Survey. Of the 145 responses, 46 percent were physicians (23 percent residents), 44 percent were nurses or nurse anesthetists and 10 percent were other personnel.
“More research is needed to identify the highest-risk groups and contributory factors, and to evaluate prevention and treatment interventions,” said Hyman. “As in other professions where burnout can affect quality of work, burnout in health care workers has a huge potential financial impact as well as affecting the quality of patient care.”
Another study completed at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine showed a high percentage of senior physicians are also struggling with burnout.
“Our data suggest that burnout is evident in approximately one half of the chairs of academic anesthesiology departments,” said Robert McCarthy, PharmD, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and lead study author. “This has substantial implications not only on the individual physician and his/her patients, but also the functioning of the department and the training of future anesthesiologists.”
McCarthy surveyed 102 anesthesiology department chairs (the departments most senior physician) using an instrument that included the Maslach Burnout Inventory. The survey examined the participants job satisfaction compared with one and five years prior to the survey, the likelihood of stepping down as chair in the next two years and a high risk of burnout.
Of those surveyed:
1. Thirty-four percent reported high job satisfaction currently. (This was a significant decline compared to job satisfaction reports one and five years prior to the survey.)
2. Twenty-eight percent reported extreme likelihood of stepping down as a chair in one to two years.
3. Twenty-eight percent also met the criteria for high burnout, and an additional 31 percent were in the moderately-high burnout category.
The study found that age, gender, years as a chair, hours worked and perceived effectiveness were not associated with high burnout. Low job satisfaction and reduced self-reported spouse/significant other support, however, significantly increased the risk.
For more information, visit the Anesthesiology Web site at: www.anesthesiology.org.
Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. See www.LowerWC.com for more information. Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
©2011 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Vote Now: LexisNexis Workers' Comp Notable People 2010
LexisNexis has announced the finalists for voting purposes in the following categories: Risk Managers, Insurance Professionals, and Industry Vendors. The summaries of these nominees are at: http://tinyurl.com/4hvhpb7 .
We are proud that our founder, Rebecca Shafer, has been nominated for this award and would appreciate your vote if you a member of the WORK COMP ANALYSIS GROUP.
Only members of the Work Comp Analysis Group on LinkedIn can vote. If you aren't a member of the WC Analysis Group, click here to join now: http://tinyurl.com/49ypvmk
ACCESS THE BALLOT HERE: http://tinyurl.com/48a8ho9
Voters can select two individuals in each of the three categories. The voting period runs from January 23, 2011 through February 4, 2011.
Thank you Lexis Nexis and WC Analysis Group for this opportunity! Good luck to all nominees!
THE AGING WORKFORCE WEBINAR (FREE)
Prepare your company and your department for the maturing of America’s workforce. Join us for information on accommodating your aging employee population.
In 2000, there were 18.2 million workers over the age of 55 in America.
In 2008, there were 25.2 million, a 38% increase.
In 2025, AARP estimates there will be 31.9 million, a 75% increase.
The presentation covers:
- An overview of our country’s aging demographics and what it will mean for your company.
- The ramifications of these growing numbers on operations.
- Safety issues for older employees and customers.
- Controlling workers compensation costs.
- Ways to return more mature employees to work.
AGING UP
A WEBEX ON WORKING WITH MATURE EMPLOYEES
December 14, 2010 at 11:00 AM EST
Contributor: Broadside: Providing workers compensation third-party administrative services. For more information, contact Broadspire by calling 1-866-625-1662 or email us at Broadspire_Info@choosebroadspire.com; http:// www.choosebroadspire.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
THE AGING WORKFORCE WEBINAR (FREE)
Register NOW for Tomorrow!
From: Broadspire_info@choosebroadspire.com
Subject: What are you doing about America’s aging workforce?
AGING UP
A WEBEX ON WORKING WITH MATURE EMPLOYEES
November 18th, 11:00 AM EST
In 2000, there were 18.2 million workers over the age of 55 in America.
In 2008, there were 25.2 million, a 38% increase.
In 2025, AARP estimates there will be 31.9 million, a 75% increase.
Prepare your company and your department for the maturing of America’s workforce. Join us for information on accommodating your aging employee population.
The presentation covers:
- An overview of our country’s aging demographics and what it will mean for your company
- The ramifications of these growing numbers on operations
- Safety issues for older employees and customers
- Controlling workers compensation costs
- Ways to return more mature employees to work
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
As an executive committee member of the Larson’s National Workers’ Compensation Advisory Board, I’ve been given a sneak preview of an excellent new handbook on Medicare Secondary Payer compliance to be published by
LexisNexis, and it's excellent.
The Complete Guide to Medicare Secondary Payer Compliance, Jennifer C. Jordan, Esq., Editor-in-Chief, is a one-of-a-kind resource, combining analysis and practice tips, statutes, public laws, regulations, case summaries with commentary, MMSEA Sec. 111 User Guide, CMS’ MSP manual and memos, Glossary and Acronyms, Life tables, and more, all in one handbook.
MMSEA Section 111
One of the key chapters in the book focuses on MMSEA Section 111 reporting requirements. Among other things the author provides helpful practice tips and insightful commentary along with an explanation of who is required to report and when reporting is necessary. (WCxKit)
Liability Claims and the MSP
Another key chapter in the book addresses the concept of a liability Medicare set-aside arrangement (“LMSA”) and explains how to assess adequately the need for an LMSA. The author takes a no-nonsense approach by dispelling preconceived notions about MSA’s in general before moving into the heart of the issue to help you understand why and when an LMSA might be needed.
Case Commentaries
This book is the only resource I know of that traces the development of case law pertaining to the MSP and MMSEA. Included with each case write up is commentary by Jennifer C. Jordan, the Editor-in-Chief, whose straight-talk is much appreciated when it comes to this illusive area of the law. One recent case that interested me in particular was Seger v. Tank Connection, the first known case in which a federal district court had an opportunity to evaluate MMSEA issues and ruled in the defendant employer’s favor to compel an injured employer to respond to interrogatories about his eligibility for Medicare.
Taking Control of Insurance Settlements
If you want to take control of your insurance settlements, it’s imperative to understand “why CMS wants what it wants,” says the author. I believe this handbook will help both the novice and seasoned professional in their dealings with CMS and to realize that CMS’ preference is not always going to be the only way to achieve MSP compliance. (WCxKit)
For practitioners and consultants there are “practice points” and “special alerts” calling attention to potential pitfalls.
Pre-orders of the book. Click here to view the flyer and ordering information. According to the publisher, the books are scheduled to ship to customers in late October 2010.
Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker and website publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing.
Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
Broadspire, a Crawford Company and leading third party administrator (TPA) and medical management services provider, is proud to announce that Gary Anderberg, Ph.D., practice leader for analytics and outcomes, has been named to Risk & Insurance magazine’s Risk Innovators of the Year list.
Anderberg was nominated for his work as a leader with Broadspire’s e-Triage system, which helps analyze claims that might become outliers in terms of duration and cost, a question inherent in all new occupational and non-occupational disability claims.
“There are few people who have greater insight into our industry than Gary Anderberg,” said Broadspire CEO and President Kenneth F. Martino Jr. “He has an incredible amount of knowledge and understanding about the intricacies of disability. He continually comes up with new views into the business and solutions for meeting client needs. We believe he is highly deserving of this honor and congratulate him on being named a Risk Innovator.”
The proprietary technology used in e-Triage allows Broadspire to explore psycho-social and socio-economic issues, in addition to core compensability investigations, that can impact the outcome of claims. Using the power of more than 700 evidence-based studies, e-Triage guides the claim professional through dynamic interviews and captures information as data points – not text – thus allowing for unprecedented analysis.
Broadspire uses e-Triage to conduct initial contact and follow-up interviews for many of its most important workers compensation clients. Like any major application development, building the most recent version of e-Triage has been a team effort. Anderberg has helped lead the project by driving application use and finding additional ways to employ e-Triage internally and externally. His work will directly produce better claim quality and consistency as well as improved analytics for clients.
Anderberg also leads Broadspire’s analytics department and is a well-known figure in the workers compensation and disability industry. This past year, he chaired a panel on the impact of national healthcare reform on workers compensation at the national Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS) conference, published several articles and became a regular contributor to industry blogs. (WCxKit)
Anderberg has more than 30 years of experience in the risk management arena. He received his bachelor’s degree from Pomona College, graduating Phi Beta Kappa and cum laude, and a doctorate from Stanford University, where he was the Woodrow Wilson Fellow.
About Broadspire: Broadspire, a leading international third party administrator for large self-insured organizations, offers a broad array of customized claim and medical management services designed to increase employee productivity and contain costs. Broadspire's U.S. offering of workers compensation, auto and general liability claims administration, medical management and absence and care management, is available bundled or individually. In addition, Crawford provides liability, motor and property claims management services in Europe under the Broadspire brand. Broadspire is based in Atlanta, Ga., with a network of 85 locations throughout the United States (www.choosebroadspire.com) and Europe (www.Broadspire.eu), including the United Kingdom (www.BroadspireTPA.co.uk). Contact at: Broadspire_Info@choosebroadspire or 1-866-625-1662.
About Crawford: Based in Atlanta, Ga., Crawford & Company (www.crawfordandcompany.com) is the world's largest independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk management and insurance industry as well as self-insured entities, with a global network of more than 700 locations in 63 countries. The Crawford System of Claims SolutionsSM offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration. The Company’s shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbols CRDA and CRDB.
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers comp issues.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.
I go to the National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference & Expo (NWCD Conference) either in Chicago or Las Vegas at least every other year. I went last year and I'll be going this year. This year it's in Las Vegas, November 10 to 12, 2010 at the Las Vegas Convention Center. You might wonder why someone who is an expert in workers compensation cost containment still attends conferences and seminars, and that's a good question. MSRIRIMs . … gommgoes to the conference and attururutt wonder why someone who is a workert
One of my favorite saying is "You don't know what they don't know!" One of the things I recommend to everyone who is new to the workers compensation field or manages workers compensation for a company is to attend either RIMS and NWCD Conference often to learn what is available in the field. I still attend to learn new techniques, to meet new vendors, and to find out their latest service enhancements.
When I went to law school they didn't teach us about risk management, nor did they teach us how to manage a workers compensation program, so I learned from the ground up, by attending RIMS in the spring and NWCD Conference in the fall. That's how I learned the field. Last year, for example, I attended RIMS in Boston and NWCD Conference in Chicago. In Chicago, I focused on sessions about the Federal Workers Compensation system and FECA to learn more about the similarities and differences. When I was new to workers comp, I came home with my bags loaded with brochures about new services. How could I possibly request an off-site vendor be added to my list of service providers if I didn't know there was such a service? How could I have asked for nurse triage if I didn't know the service existed? How could I ….. you get the point. You don't know what you don't know. Sure, I pass my business card out and network a lot at the conference, too, but that's part of the business. You meet knowledgeable poople and when you encounter a problem, those people are there to support you and give you suggestions on how to overcome the "obstacle-du-jour."
I speak daily with companies unhappy with their TPA or insurance carrier, but don't know the basics of cost containment. If you are even thinking of changing carriers or TPAs, I suggest you attend the sessions at the conference to make sure you are on the righ track. One thing I see VERY often is employers have misidentified their cause of their high work comp costs. They think it's the nurse case management or bill review that's driving the cost, when it is really poor management and operational practices.
I roamed through the exhibit hall speaking to vendors and learning about the types of services that were available to reduce my workers comp costs. Workers Comp Managers get so busy setting up their programs they don't have time to learn all the techniques available to them. If your upper management is trying to cut costs yet not encouraging or allowing conferences, use the calculator at the bottom of this article to show them that the reduction in the cost of ONE claim will cover the cost, and a reduction of 20 – 50% of your loss costs will make the shareholders very pleased. YOU can achieve those results by learning all you can about the process.
The National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference & Expo is the the nation's leading conference for claims professionals to learn everything from the basics to more advanced strategies about workers compensation cost containment. RIMS is great, too, of course. The difference is RIMS covers all lines of insurance, whereas NWCD Conference covers only workers comp and disability. It's a good way to jump in the water!
In fact, I am so adamant that a new workers comp manager should attend to learn the ropes, that I have offered to speak with several colleagues bosses to tell them how important it is. In the 2009 RIMS Benchmark Survey, risk managers who responded to the survey overwhelmingly said that conferences were the #1 way they learned about workers compensation cost containment.
Here's what you'll get out of this conference:
1. Expand your knowledge and gain new solutions directly related to:
a. workers compensation
b. disability management
c. return-to-work programs
2. Attendees, from CEOs and attorneys to risk managers and disability claims analysts, will find answers to many of their specific challenges throughout the conference's five program tracks:
Better Claims, Management/RTW Strategies, Data Analysis, Solving Legal/Regulatory Issues, Medical/Behavioral Solutions, and Strategic View
3. There are 33 breakout sessions organized by type and level to accommodate a range of learning styles and experience. You'll literally be able to spend the entire time going from session to session, and getting great presentation materials to take notes on.
Session Highlights include:
"Needle-Moving States: Developments That Drive the Nation,"
"Medicare Set-asides/SCHIP Summit Meeting" from the Solving Legal/Regulatory Issues
"60 Cost Containment Tips in 60 Minutes" from the Better Claims Management
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com
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