WC Cost Containment

Medicare Rate Changes Signal Mixed Cost Outlook for Workers’ Comp: NCCI

A key physician payment factor continues its decline while facility rates rise, creating varied impacts for insurers depending on state-level fee schedule rules.

Late Medical Interventions Drive Workers’ Comp Costs as Back, Shoulder Claims Show Wide Cost Variation

Assessing Future Medical Costs in Catastrophic Injuries

Reducing Workers’ Comp Costs Through Care-First Strategies

Kristine Kennedy of Healthesystems on Innovation in Workers’ Comp Communication and Technology Integration

Recently in WC Cost Containment

Beware the Perils of Scope Creep

Pitfalls to consider when shopping for a new claims management system.

Amphetamines, Opiates Latest Drugs of Choice Among Workers

Workforce drug use is on the decline, but abuse of opiates and amphetamines has more than doubled.

National Initiative Focuses on Temporary Workers

Recent cases have prompted a national initiative to find solution for protecting the needs and rights of temporary workers.

Report Addresses Need for Effective Obesity Programs

Roundtable offers suggestions for strategies to combat costly obesity.

Outlook: Eight Industry Leaders Discuss Top Comp Issues

Eight thought leaders in the workers’ comp industry share their top issues of concerns for the coming years.

State Workers’ Comp News

A round-up of key workers’ comp developments across the country.

Florida Drug Monitoring Program Promising

Florida’s E-Force program is proving effective in reducing prescription-related deaths and overall prescribing volume.

States Must Adopt Best Practices for Opioids

A new report offers guidance for continued efforts to place tight controls on opioid prescribing.

Repeal Workers’ Comp Reforms Or Allow Worker Lawsuits

End benefits cap or find workers’ comp no longer an adequate remedy, attorneys argue.

The Worth of Utilization Review

WCRI says its research shows California’s utilization review process is working well, but others question UR’s application.

The Benefits of Change

Forces are driving inevitable change in the workers’ comp landscape in 2014.

The Defeat of Lupe

A routine back injury evolves into chronic pain.

Managing Specialty Health Care Spending

Experts discuss ways to monitor and manage specialty health care spending.