COVID-19-Related State Budget Shortfalls and Resulting Impacts to Workers’ Comp
6 MIN READ
The economic impacts associated with COVID-19 have been far-reaching and headline-grabbing: “Record levels of unemployment”, “Shuttered businesses”, “Idled and furloughed workers”. Economists have struggled to predict “What’s next?” (both short and long-term) amid an ever-shifting backdrop of varying virus case numbers, differing public policy/governmental responses, and unsettled consumer demand.
How QA Can Make or Break Your IME
6 MIN READ
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.
How COVID-19 Presumption Laws Might Affect the Workers' Compensation Industry
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.
Introducing Networks 2.0: Part Four
2 MIN READ
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.
Specialty Drugs' Impact on Overall Costs in 2019
1 MIN READ
First Script overall prescription trends saw a slight upward shift in 2019. We’ll take a closer look at some of the specialty medication classes and specific drugs driving this shift and their impacts on overall costs, such as those from the hematological class, HIV medications, and one novel topical eye disorder treatment.
New CMS Section 111 Reporting Alert
2 MIN READ
On the heels of CMS announcing July 2020 plans to upgrade the MSP Portal to allow authorized users to view and print correspondence, CMS has issued a new alert reminding Responsible Reporting Entities (RRE’s) of the importance of accurately reporting both Med Pay and Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage.
COVID-19 Effects on Workers’ Compensation Technologies
There is no shortage of information discussing how the COVID-19 pandemic has already changed the world as we knew it. Statista reports that the majority of Americans have significantly changed their lifestyles, with 75% reporting they’re staying home more, 54% traveling less and 51% shopping online more.