Topical creams are becoming part of the mix of pain treatment options as doctors look for alternatives to addictive opioids.
The independent medical exam is a valuable tool to move claims forward. But even the slightest error in the review process can make a big difference. In today’s Inside Workers’ Comp, Donna Bradshaw, vice president of IME services at Genex, explains why a strong quality assurance (QA) program is vital to any IME service.
The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the discussion of presumption laws to the forefront, as states examine whether workers’ compensation should cover workers if they contract COVID-19 on the job. Many states have passed legislation or executive orders requiring insurers to cover essential workers who test positive for the virus. Depending on the state, the definition of “essential worker” might be limited to just healthcare and frontline workers, or it may include a wide range of occupations.
The benefits that workers’ comp networks bring to employees, employers, and providers are clear. What’s most interesting is how networks are evolving to meet the needs of employers and patients. These next-generation networks often are tighter, specialty-focused, smaller — right-sized — networks that benefits providers by grouping together the best of the best.
Some studies estimate that more than half of the workforce is working from home amidst the COVID-19 crisis, and many companies have already announced plans to allow employees to work remotely even after the threat of the virus has subsided. While working from home has helped social distancing efforts across the country, it has also opened up companies to an onslaught of new security threats.
The global response to the coronavirus has affected all aspects of the claims ecosystem, revealing three early indicators that may have a long-lasting impact.
Kentucky delays medical treatment guidelines implementation and Texas suspends elective surgeries in some counties.