Using metrics can help you measure and vastly improve your workers’ comp, disability and return-to-work programs. Thanks to programs such as EMPAQ^SM — the National Business Group on Health’s Employer Measures of Productivity, Absence and Quality^SM — employers can obtain standardized and certifiable metric data to measure the effectiveness of their disability and RTW programs and determine the program’s return on investment to their company.

In this full-day session, EMPAQ^SM program leaders will outline the updates to the program and show you the results of several years of data, plus train you on the standardized metrics to become officially certified in their use and application — so you can join the hundreds of other companies using EMPAQ^SM metrics.

Please note: Pre-Conference Symposiums must be registered for separately and are not part of a Full Conference or Super Pass Registration.

PRE-CONFERENCE SYMPOSIUM #2
Blueprint for a Better Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Process
Dr. Jennifer Christian, President, Webility Corporation; and Chair, American College of Occupational and
     Environmental Medicine Workers’ Compensation Committee, Wayland, Mass.
Panel of experts

Monday, Nov. 5: 1 – 4 p.m.

A new attitude about workers’ compensation is turning the system on its ear. Its mandate is to keep injured workers on the job as much as possible. But how do you do that? The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine has issued a guide for a better stay-at-work and return-to-work process. Dr. Christian and a panel of experts will explain the guide, with a focus on 16 powerful common-sense solutions. They’ll also show you how to develop the stakeholder summits that are sweeping the country to find concrete ways for local employers, doctors and insurers to improve how they work together to prevent needless work disability.

Please note: Pre-Conference Symposiums must be registered for separately and are not part of a Full Conference or Super Pass Registration.

What are today’s biggest obstacles to a smooth running workers’ comp and/or disability program? It probably depends on who you talk to. A doctor may have a different answer than a lawyer, an employer, or a case manager. That’s the idea behind this quick-paced, interactive opening session. Each expert panelist represents a different segment of the system — and has strong opinions about what needs to improve. Mark Noonan from Marsh USA will moderate the session and keep the debate going, plus invite you to pose questions.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Fraud costs businesses and consumers millions of dollars each year and puts excessive strain on our economic system. This is particularly true within the workers’ comp arena. However, employers can fight back. This session will examine types of fraud impacting the workers’ comp system, identify potential red flags associated with fraud, and outline strategies employers can use to prevent and reduce fraud.

Tuesday, November 6, 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Returning injured workers to the job as soon as they’re medically able may be easier said than done. Despite the overwhelming evidence that successful RTW programs save companies hundreds of thousands of dollars each year, many employers never see those results for a multitude of reasons. In this session, Mr. Cohen and Ms. Romero will share their RTW success stories. Although their perspectives may be different from yours (a public entity and a major league baseball team) — their obstacles transcend many industries. Hear their RTW success stories and get an opportunity to be an integral part of the discussion.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

With many companies expanding globally, disability managers must understand the differences and challenges of disability management throughout the world. Ms. Caggianelli and Ms. Mattaliano will examine the different approaches to the subject, as well as the role and function of the disability management professional. They’ll provide the employer and insurer perspectives through a discussion of cultural, socio-economic, legal, educational and other issues that impact the delivery of disability management services for companies expanding abroad.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Even though only a fraction of workers’ comp claims involve catastrophic injuries, when they occur they are the most complicated and the most expensive. But there are steps you can take along the way to reduce your costs. A claims consultant, structured settlement expert and an attorney will walk you through a fictional claim and show you how to determine whether a Medicare setaside is needed, how a structured settlement works, and where and how you can save money ... and settle the case.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

With the increasing number of states requiring adherence to the American Medical Association’s Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, it’s crucial to stay abreast of the changes. Dr. Eskay-Auerbach will sort out the latest commentary, with a particular emphasis on ratings for the less-defined conditions involving the spine and pain. Find out what the current rating system is all about, and bring your questions for our expert.

Tuesday Luncheon Keynote
The Music Within
Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

Tuesday, Nov. 6: 1 – 2 p.m.

We all have the ability to make a difference by tapping into our innate qualities of leadership. By highlighting his life story, captured in the movie Music Within due in theaters this fall, Mr. Pimentel focuses on how to lead — not by what we know, but by who we are and what we do. With every interaction you have the opportunity to inspire belief, action and change. This presentation will inspire you to tap into your own music within to make a difference and to build a legacy for the future.

Tuesday, November 6, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Workers’ comp drug costs have increased at double digit rates for the last few years, and restrictive fee schedules haven’t slowed the rate of increase. Effectively managing these costs requires an integrated, comprehensive approach — without adding burdens to claims adjusters. Mr. Paduda and Mr. Fey will show you the techniques and approaches developed for a TPA that resulted in significant decreases in the use of high-cost narcotics, less work for adjusters, lower claims costs and better working relationships with treating physicians.

Tuesday, November 6, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Trying to reduce injuries at your workplace and save money on your workers’ comp program? The key is to have a well functioning, active safety process program. Learn how the federal government is successfully preventing injuries and reducing costs — so you can apply the same techniques in your organization. Ms. Feeney, an active member of the American Society of Safety Engineers, will show you how to implement a safety process that works and how to communicate the “safety wins” attitude with employees, management, the community and others.

Tuesday, November 6, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

How effectively is your company administering its workers’ comp and disability programs? The way to find out is through the satisfaction levels of your employees and/or clients. The National Business Group on Health’s Employer Measures of Productivity, Absence and Quality (EMPAQ) has a survey that will do just that. Hear from employers who have used the satisfaction survey within their organizations as an effective program administration measurement method — and learn how to use this valuable tool.

Tuesday, November 6, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

Defending against workers’ compensation claims takes all the ammunition you can muster. Two often overlooked sources of vital information are the records from pharmacies and emergency rooms. But you need to know how and where to look. Ms. Ingram will show you how to go about uncovering records to find information you never expected.

Tuesday, November 6, 2:45 – 3:45 p.m.

If you’re over 40, chances are you have a herniated disc. But even though a solid one third of older workers have them, many aren’t aware of their existence. How can that be? What does it imply for workers with herniated discs? Dr. Cooper will explain how to tell whether a herniated disc constitutes a legitimate workers’ comp claim or is merely part of the aging process. What’s more, bring your workers’ comp cases and Dr. Cooper will discuss how to best manage them.

Tuesday, November 6, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

What do you need to make your workers’ comp program deemed best in the country? Find out, as the winners of this year’s highly competitive contest share their struggles and solutions with you in this interactive session.

Tuesday, November 6, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

A well-run safety awareness campaign can reduce workplace injuries — and costs. But getting your employees to listen and respond to the message takes some finesse. Mr. Bosley will provide specific examples of how to build an employee safety program that maximizes results. Mr. Smith will offer a case study of an effective safety awareness program. And, since communication needs vary depending on an organization’s culture and internal structure, you’ll also hear about other effective communications strategies in several industries and disciplines.

Medical/Behavioral Issues
MB3: Managing Mental Health Issues in the Workplace
Dr. Gregory P. Couser, Medical Director, Employee Assistance Program and Intensive Outpatient Program,
     Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn.

Tuesday, November 6, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.

Psychiatric factors are increasingly part of workers’ comp and disability claims. But practitioners often feel uncomfortable addressing mental health issues in the workplace, due to a lack of training and experience. Dr. Couser will draw on his background in occupational medicine and psychiatry to deliver practical advice for handling these cases. You’ll learn how to navigate the return-to-work process for injured workers with emotional issues and how to identify true medical issues versus workplace and other issues. Plus, Dr. Couser will discuss stress and when it becomes a medical problem.

A Night at the House of Blues — Compliments of StrataCare

Tuesday, November 6, 7 - 10 p.m.

Located on the river and in the incomparable Marina City Complex, the Chicago location of the House of Blues is an extravagant multi-faceted entertainment mecca. You'll enjoy live music, complimentary drinks, a full buffet dinner, and round-trip transportation from one of the official conference hotels. Plus, the Conference's own Idol Competition returns and you'll get to vote for who wins the title! This party will definitely be one you won't forget, so don't miss an evening filled with food, music and fun, compliments of StrataCare.

Ticket details will be provided at the conference.

Wednesday, November 7, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

State reporting of medical data in workers’ compensation has become a necessary evil, and it’s getting more complex each year. Additionally, more states are mandating electronic reporting of this information. Existing tools are continually being modified to allow reporting to multiple jurisdictions seamlessly. In this session, you’ll learn the historical progression of medical data reporting and the challenges and opportunities of dealing with various state agencies while providing value added that clients expect from their vendors and/or applications.

Wednesday, November 7, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Violence in the workplace is on the rise. It is seen in employee scuffles, threats and near misses. In extreme cases, it results in death. Employers must be prepared to respond to an ever-changing set of circumstances and deal with a host of complex issues when violence occurs. Our panelists will show you preventive measures to identify potentially dangerous situations, appropriate responses when violence does occur, and how to help your company cope when tragedy strikes.

Wednesday, November 7, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

In any given year, one in five Americans will experience a mental health issue and at least half will experience some form of clinical depression. Ms. Harnett will discuss the prevalence of behavioral health challenges in the workplace and share results of a three-year study on the impact of employee assistance programs on disability incidence, duration and early return to work. The study compared companies with more than 125,000 covered employees, matched for industry and disability plan design.

Wednesday, November 7, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

As if the workers’ compensation field isn’t complex enough, now comes the added complication of undocumented workers injured on the job. Increasingly, states are adopting statutes to address this issue, but the laws often vary. Mr. Watts will outline the challenges and offer practical advice to protect your company and keep you out of legal hot water.

Wednesday, November 7, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

The most expensive workers’ comp claims typically stem from fairly common injuries — for example, those involving the upper or lower extremities. Yet, year after year they occur and can cost your company a fortune — unless you have some inside medical information at your fingertips. Our prestigious panel of top-notch physicians will give you invaluable insight to help you better manage costly medical conditions plus offer hot medical tips – such as when a specialist is or isn’t needed and when is the time to consider using one.

Wednesday, November 7: 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Managing workers’ comp and disability claims is difficult enough, but what happens when the Family and Medical Leave Act comes into play? Or, the Americans with Disabilities Act? You need to understand the ramifications of these laws and how they interact with workers’ comp concepts. Ms. Rovello and Ms. Young will show you how to efficiently manage claims when multiple laws come into play, and the legal implications of each.

Wednesday, November 7: 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The benefits of disability management are well documented and understood within workers’ comp circles. Yet 80% of the companies that could benefit from it aren’t doing it, simply because the people who could authorize it don’t understand it and undertaking such an initiative requires a significant investment and commitment to achieve results. Dr. Christian and Mr. Pimentel will teach you how to get your company on the fast track of disability management by developing a solid proposal, overcoming resistance to it, bringing it to the appropriate departments and getting it funded.

Wednesday, November 7: 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

With stress and depression among the top four reasons for a disability, employers must be able to identify workers on disability who may be depressed. By digging data — meaning cross-checking pharmacy and medical information — targeted intervention can occur. Mr. Campbell will show you how to identify behavioral health cost drivers, focus on specific health conditions and co-morbidities for enhanced treatment, and structure targeted interventions to ensure employees get proper care.

Wednesday, November 7: 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

In 60 minutes, experts representing nearly every discipline involved in the workers’ comp process will give you 60 practical ideas to get your workers’ comp program running like a well-oiled machine that also saves money. You’ll get a plethora of quick tips to apply from the moment an injury occurs to the final outcome. Using the popular round robin format, each panelist has 60 seconds to offer up their best practical advice.

Wednesday, November 7: 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

The tragedy of the World Trade Center collapse didn’t end on Sept. 11. Hundreds of workers who risked their lives trying to help the injured, locate survivors, or clean up debris are paying the price in ailments related to their exposure to toxins in the area. Legislation proposed recently would create a federal mechanism to compensate those affected. It’s imperative that we develop better ways to protect recovery workers in disastrous conditions. This panel of workers’ comp experts will share some of the lessons they learned while spending time at Ground Zero and working with those involved in the cleanup operations.

Wednesday, November 7: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Companies that have expanded to the point where they can no longer self administer their workers’ comp and disability programs can find great relief once they’ve turned things over to a third party administrator (TPA) — that is, if they don’t forget to address the corporate cultural issues that arise. Turning over work to another organization also means giving up control and doing things differently. People need to adapt to and managers need to prepare their staffs for changes to avoid overwhelming struggles. This session will outline the lessons learned during the honeymoon phase of working with a TPA.

Wednesday, November 7: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Returning injured workers to the workforce as quickly as possible is key – to their recoveries and your bottom line. Bring all your return-to-work questions to this session and find out from an industry veteran how to get injured workers back on the job ASAP.

Wednesday, November 7: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

With management’s focus on cost containment, how do you ensure that your workers’ comp and disability programs’ designs meet the fundamental principles of ethical behavior? Ensuring compliance with governmental regulations is a good start, but is it enough? Does your organization suffer from periodic bouts of “managerial mischief”? Ms. Henderson and Mr. Hall will show you how to establish a framework for ethical decision-making in your organization and review case studies.

Wednesday, November 7: 3:45 – 4:45 p.m.

Medicare is like a gnat in the workers’ comp system. It seemed to come out of nowhere and won’t go away, despite everyone’s best efforts. Clearly, you need to understand when and how to develop a Medicare set aside amid constantly changing parameters. Mr. Pocius will outline the very latest government guidances and what you can do to stay ahead of the curve.

Thursday, November, 8: 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Preventing injuries is the most obvious way to reduce costs in your workers’ compensation system, but you need the tools to reduce costs once claims arise. There are 12 steps that can help you reduce your workers’ comp expenses after an injury occurs; for example, developing and maintaining alternatives to your plan of action to avoid surprises, avoiding actions that make the injured worker jump through regulatory hoops, and providing settlement offers that are realistic and supported by facts and documentation. Mr. Mussenden will teach you the 12 steps and how to apply them to lower costs.

Thursday, November, 8: 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Disability management and absence management are making a distinctive shift – to productivity management. This shift in thinking is changing employer needs as well as the way that disability management, absence management, and health/productivity programs are structured. Productivity management today is bringing together professionals from many different backgrounds. You’ll learn how to take a broader view of your benefits and programs to best integrate them to bring ill/injured employees back to work, to keep those who are healthy at work, and to maintain and promote productivity in the workplace.

Thursday, November, 8: 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Finding appropriate doctors to perform independent medical exams (IMEs) is difficult enough, and even more challenging when a mental injury is involved. For example, there are several common errors that actually harm return-to-work efforts. That’s just one of the areas Dr. Carter will cover, as he shows you the dos and don’ts of IMEs for mental injury claims.

General Session and Closing Keynote
Boomeralgia, and other Workers’ Comp Aches and Pains
Dr. David Cooper, The Knee Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Thursday, November 8: 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Cries of, “Oh my aching back!” may be the result of a workplace accident leading to a high-priced catastrophic injury — or, simply the result of an aging worker. With so many baby boomers in the private and federal workforces, the rules of the game have changed. Protecting your workers from injury is no longer merely a matter of preventing typical injuries. Employers and agencies must also understand and develop ways to address the natural deterioration that coincides with the aging process. In this informative and humorous presentation, Dr. Cooper will enlighten you about ‘boomeralgia’ and other physical issues of the aging worker.