A survey of claims managers, examiners, and nurse case managers revealed three key concerns and needs the workers’ compensation claims industry must address in order to perform more effectively in 2010.
The series of market research initiatives was conducted by One Call Medical (OCM) a provider of diagnostic testing (MRI, CT scans, electromyography and nerve conduction studies) did the testing primarily to identify key challenges in the workers’ compensation claims industry.
The series of market research initiatives was conducted by One Call Medical (OCM) a provider of diagnostic testing (MRI, CT scans, electromyography and nerve conduction studies) did the testing primarily to identify key challenges in the workers’ compensation claims industry.
1. Controlling Medical Costs and Outcomes
Across the board, participants experienced a decrease in claims frequency, but a significant rise in the medical cost component of their claims. Increasing at twice the rate of general inflation, medical expenses are the biggest cost-containment challenge.
2. Accountability to a High Level of Performance
At all levels, workers’ comp professionals are under tremendous pressure to demonstrate a high level of performance. Clients are requiring audits and ongoing reports that quantify and meet key performance measures, as they relate to claims handling, utilization of provider networks, and achieving early return-to-work outcomes. As a result, organizations need services and tools to help them offload and manage specialized functions, so they can better focus on the tasks directly impacting client service, costs, and outcomes.
3. Education to Keep Pace with an Ever-Changing Industry
Workers’ compensation is a complex industry. Claims and nurse professionals must become familiar with a number of sophisticated topics, including medical procedures and regulatory changes. Due to the depth of knowledge required, the demand for education is huge, but training budgets have been reduced. Many organizations must supplement in-house training with other cost-effective opportunities to expand expertise, while meeting continuing education requirements.
“By conducting market research, we’re able to hear firsthand about the challenges many workers’ compensation professionals face,” said Bill Colacurcio, director of marketing at One Call Medical. “With these findings, we strive to continually provide our clients and injured workers with the greatest value from our diagnostic specialty network—in terms of quality, accuracy, timeliness, and cost savings. (workersxzcompxzkit)
“Conducting ongoing market research among industry leaders is central to our strategy to identify, address, and raise awareness about the critical claims and medical challenges in workers’ compensation,” Colacurcio concluded.
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