Article

Managing the Evolving Claims Workforce

… as claim organizations find their equilibrium, accelerating talent development will remain an operational challenge. … claims management professionals retire or seek opportunities in other sectors, what’s the top concern companies have in transitioning from a more experienced to a less experienced … to the process. A more troublesome issue is the menacing profile of claims now populating an adjuster’s inventory. The surge of social inflation — a trend of rising claims costs due to …
News Release

Mitchell Issues Fourth Quarter 2018 Industry Trends Report

… is well-positioned to reap the benefits of automation. “One of our collective goals as an industry is to simplify the claims process as much as possible to create better experiences and outcomes for anyone injured in an unfortunate event,” explains Smith. “But with regulatory compliance and required paperwork, … But today, more carriers are making utilization review a priority.” The report also includes an article co-written by Mitchell Casualty Solutions' Michele Hibbert-Iacobacci, Vice President, …
Article

Global Surgical Package Fraudulent Billing

… the Global Surgical Package concept is and how these procedures are presented in billing is an important aspect in finding this type of fraud. The global surgical package, also called … 10 days – minor procedures 90 days – major procedures The zero, 10 and 90-day timelines are an important factor of the global surgical package where the provider is unable to charge for … Discussing issues with family, friends and coworkers have the potential of driving an investigation further into data, and in the following case, it did. The conversation in this …
Article

Pharmacy Management: A Proactive Approach

… affect the cost of a claim, but there are several other ways in which pharmacy can have an impact on the outcome of a claim. In this series, we will be exploring the life-cycle of a claim to understand how an employer and their insurers can choose the correct partners to support their employees when an unexpected event occurs. We will also look closely at how managing pharmacy properly can … well. When Andrew goes to work in the morning, it never crosses his mind that he may sustain an injury as he goes about his normal work duties. He does not consider the many steps he will …
Podcast

Winter's Impact on Work Comp Claims

… Great. When we talk about cold weather injuries, are you seeing an increase in these types of injuries? And if so, what are some possible reasons behind it? … Based on our recent data and observations within the call center, there has been an increase in cold weather injuries and the severe weather conditions that we have experienced. … issues — the cold can exacerbate conditions for someone who has asthma. You also have an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. Outdoor workers in cold weather environments are …
Case Study

Heart of Case Management Awards 2020

… A 45-year old man working on a conveyer accidentally had his hand get stuck in an augur. The immense trauma he experienced was intensified by the tenuous process of safely … below-elbow amputation of his left arm. Prior to becoming a case manager, Payne had worked as an ED nurse at the same hospital where the man was being treated. Her experience and … adjuster and the employer. When the specialist recommended the injured employee be fitted with an electrical hand and a gripper prosthesis, Payne became educated on the prosthesis, so she …
Article

New Vehicles: Technology Impact on Collision Repair Costs

… constantly experimenting with new technology and new ways to keep us safe in the event of an accident. Recent advances, using sophisticated collision avoidance systems which have quickly … in new vehicles can help us avoid accidents altogether. While these same components also have an impact on OEM collision repair procedures and costs. While Original Equipment Manufacturers … common collision avoidance components, these highly sophisticated gadgets are by no means an inexpensive replacement if damaged. Unfortunately, these components are most commonly found in …
Article

Mitchell Collision Repair Industry Data: Q4 2017

… development suggests a final Q4 2017 average appraisal value of $3,184, which represents an increase of $67 compared to the same quarter last year. average appraisal values, ACVs and age … our servers was $3,228, compared to $3,322 in Q4 2016. Factoring for development produces an increase in the adjusted value to $3,271. average appraisal values, ACVs and age comprehensive … a $47 initial increase between these respective periods. Factoring for development yields an anticipated Q4 2017 adjusted appraisal value of $ 2,965, a $72 increase in average severity …
News Release

Electric Vehicle Collision Claims Rebound as Expiring U.S. Government Tax Incentives Drive Record Sales

… vehicles (BEVs), which dropped for the first time in Q2 before rebounding last quarter to an all-time high of 3.21% just as expiring government tax incentives prompted record-breaking … Canada, a decrease of 2.4% and 1.5% respectively from Q2. In both countries, automobiles with an internal combustion engine (ICE) had the lowest average severity followed by mild hybrid … issues and subscribe to future publications from mitchell.com/plugged-in . About Mitchell, an Enlyte Company Mitchell International, Inc. is a leader in the development of innovative auto …
Case Study

Ensuring Precision and Agility in Settlements

… feat. The carrier mentioned in this story emphasized closing claims earlier by implementing an early settlement program but struggled with payment accuracy on medical bills. This was time … and made the economics of early settlement more challenging. However, this success came with an interesting revelation. While the revised process had significantly reduced turnaround times, … ensuring that costs were contained with no tolerance for back-billing. This facilitated an almost instantaneous settlement completion with the guarantee of precise payment, marking a …
News Release

Vermont Adopts Opioid Prescribing Rule

… on opioid the patient must be given the Department of Health Opioid Information Sheet and sign an informed consent agreement. Depending on the level of pain a patient experiences, different … recommended: For minor pain, no opioids are recommended. For moderate pain, opioids limited to an average daily limit of 24 MME/day for up to 5 days. For severe pain, opioids limited to an average daily limit of 32 MME/day for up to 5 days. For extreme pain, opioids limited to an …
Article

Need a Work Comp Boost? Head to San Diego

… It doesn’t take much to entice an Easterner to visit San Diego. In fact, I can count at least three friends who left our coast … to manage the overutilization of prescription drugs, Pew will also offer his insights in an afternoon breakout, “Prescription Dilemma in Medicare Set Asides,” with Melanie Schafer, Esq. … a spinal cord injury while on duty and returned to work and walking through the use of an exoskeleton device. It’s bound to be an inspiring and invigorating week ahead and I hope to …
CE Webinar

Ergonomics

… According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, two million workers in America suffer from an ergonomic-related or musculoskeletal injury every year. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders … the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. This course will provide an overview of why/when to use ergonomics, ergonomics-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), …
Virtual Event

Real-Life Robocop Webinar: Meeting 'Impossible' RTW Goals in Catastrophic Cases

… webinar, you will meet Jeremy “Robocop” Romero, a New Mexico police officer who sustained an on-duty spinal cord injury, yet returned to policework six months after his incident. Genex’s … adapting to life after spinal cord injury and determination to “walk” again through the use of an exoskeleton device.   …
Article

Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights Q3 2025

… for repairable, collision-damaged battery electric vehicles (BEVs) rose to 3.21% in the U.S.—an all-time high and increase of 4.2% year over year. Predictably, new BEV purchases surged, … over the last two years. In Canada, BEVs represented 4.91% of repairable collision claims, an annual increase of 24.3%. Although full Canadian sales data is still outstanding, early … models—including the Escalade IQ—were new to the market at this time last year. BMW reported an overall year-over-year sales decrease in the third quarter, yet signaled that M version sales …
Article

Plugged-In: EV Collision Insights Q2 2025

… tax incentives are set to expire in September while discounts for electrified options reached an all-time high of nearly $8,500 per automobile by the end of the quarter. In addition, General … to J.D. Power , 42% of potential BEV buyers said they would be less likely to shop for an electric automobile without the incentives. In Quebec, where provincial BEV rebates were … the previous quarter. For collision repairers and auto insurers, this steady growth represents an opportunity to focus on vehicles that combine cost advantages like automobiles with an …
Article

As prosthetic devices improve, so can injured workers’ outcomes

… often call for use of prosthetics. A prosthetic device is one that replaces all or part of an extremity—so an arm, hand, or finger, or a leg, foot, or toe. They can be simple and utilitarian, such as … specialized too. They can be crafted for activities like running or swimming or playing music. An amazing and diverse array of prosthetics is now possible, thanks to technologies such as 3D …
News Release

State Legislatures Looking at Opioid Bills

… provide coverage for opioids, prevent any type of prior-authorization for opioids and prohibit an insurance carrier from charging a different rate for drugs in the opioid class. Fortunately, … HB 1063—Limits opioids to an initial 7-day supply and no more than 90 MME during the first 30 days (all health care) … HB 287—Dispensed opioids must have a red warning sticker and be accompanied with an education pamphlet …
Article

The Impact of Tariffs on the Automotive Claims Industry

… and Canada, as the imposition of retaliatory tariffs on imports from the United States are an expected result if a trilateral agreement between the US, Canada, and Mexico fails. 4 As new … tariffs. However, this strategy may be short-lived as many recycled parts providers could see an increase in demand as an opportunity to raise prices. For an industry already faced with a rising cost of repair due to …
Article

Mitchell Canadian Collision Summary: Q1 2017

… systems in Q1 2017, was $3,910—a $139 increase from Q1 2016. Factoring for development yields an anticipated increase to $3,963.   Average Appraisal Values Severity Overall … systems in Q1 2017 was $3,918, a $128 increase from Q1 2016. Factoring for development yields an anticipated increase to $3,958, which represents a $168 increase from Q1 2016. Collision Losses … compares the average appraisal make up as a percentage of dollars. These data points reflect an increase in parts, with slight decreases in labour and paint. Canadian Average Appraisal …
Case Study

Seeing Red: Warning Signs of off-track claims

… case management are indicators signaling potential problems that could adversely impact an injured employee’s timely recovery, return to work, and the ultimate cost of a claim. If not … mitigate the risk. Alone or in combination, red flags are important to recognize. They provide an objective approach to help you assess risk and substantiate the need for case management … function and work, and employee satisfaction is immediately after injury. If already assigned, an important part of the case manager’s responsibility is to recognize red flags, communicate the …
Article

Inside Texas Workers’ Comp: How Certified Health Care Networks Shape Outcomes

… Texas employers who provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees through an insurance policy or self-insurance program. In 2006, House Bill 7 reformed the system, … is approved by the treating doctor, reducing unnecessary specialty visits. We also maintain an expanded preauthorization list beyond state minimums to control utilization. Q: What are the benefits of accessing an HCN? A:  The biggest benefit is the ability to access PPO network contracted rates below the …
Article

10 Ways Field Case Management Can Make a Difference

… Navigating the complexities of an injured employee’s recovery can be daunting. That’s where Enlyte’s field case management … to patient education. Field case managers can print and share relevant health information in an easily understood manner. The use of photos, graphics and videos also helps bridge health literacy gaps and increases injured employee engagement. An injured employee, especially one who is in pain or on medication, is unlikely to comprehend …
Article

6 Common Causes of Work-Related Injuries and How to Treat Them

… Work-related injuries are an unfortunate reality in many professions, and as claims professionals, it’s crucial to … Common Types of Injuries: Non-impact injuries from excessive physical effort towards an external source, such as lifting, pushing, turning, holding, carrying or throwing. Also, … An alternative to pain medication, … MRIs can correctly diagnose fractures, sprains and other injuries. This also helps evaluate an individual's response to treatment. …
Podcast

A Network of Support for Mental Health in Comp

… What are the best ways employers, adjusters, providers can identify mental health issues with an injured worker? … used by group health primary care physicians may also be incorporated when treating an injured employee. Close communication with the case manager or primary treating provider to … aid in identifying mental health concerns. Missed appointments and cancellations can also be an indicator. Self-reporting surveys that focus on the injured employee’s perception of injury …
News Release

Mitchell Announces Partnership with Drew Technologies to Deliver OEM Scanning and Remote Diagnostic Support

… claims and Collision Repair industries, today announced a partnership with Drew Technologies, an Opus IVS Company, under which Drew Technologies scanning and diagnostic technology and … assistance from OEM-trained master technicians Patented documentation and workflow process An all-inclusive record of the scans/diagnostics performed on the vehicle when associated with a claim “Drew has a well-earned reputation as an industry leader in OEM diagnostics,” said Debbie Day, Mitchell's Executive Vice President and …
News Release

Arizona Industrial Commission Proposes Changes to Pharmacy Fee Schedule

… The NDC of the repackaged medication may not be used. Components of a co-pack drug without an NDC will not be reimbursed. Compound Medications Reimbursement for compounded medications will … be calculated at the fee schedule rate for each individual ingredient. Ingredients without an NDC will not be reimbursed. Any ingredient in a topical compound that is not FDA approved for … by a medical practitioner providing initial treatment to the injured employee following an injury. The medication is limited to no more than a one-time, 10-day supply. The medication is …
Virtual Event

Webinar: The Whole Person Approach

… Case managers have long known the importance of getting to know an injured employee and their family on a more intimate level. They understand that observing the … this session, we’ll focus on defining social determinants of health, the conditions in which an individual lives, works, learns and plays, and discuss how to align a care management approach …