CM1-B: Strategies to Implement E-Billing in Workers’ Comp

Pre-Conference Symposium

The 7-Year Itch: Renewing Passion for Your Return-to-Work Program
Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

Tuesday, Nov. 18: 1 – 5 p.m.

It’s been proven that when an injured worker returns to the workforce as quickly as they’re able, it has a positive impact on your organization's bottom line and the employee’s health. But many companies struggle to see the benefits of their return-to-work (RTW) efforts. Some programs seem to flourish in the early-going but then hit a plateau and fade away, while others never really get off the ground despite the best of intentions.

If the enthusiasm, interest and support in your RTW program is waning — or if it never existed — this pre-conference symposium is for you! Mr. Pimentel, a seasoned expert in the workers’ comp and disability arenas, will show you strategies and steps to take your RTW program to the next level — with proven results!

There are two sides to every story, and at least two opinions on every workers’ comp and disability challenge. For the first time, you’ll have the chance to hear leading experts debate the most controversial issues in the industry. Eight of the top minds in workers’ comp and disability square off — two at a time — in a point/counterpoint format. Mark Noonan from Marsh USA will moderate the session and keep the debate going, plus invite you to pose questions.

Risk & Insurance® Magazine's Theodore Roosevelt
Workers' Compensation and Disability Management Awards

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Join us in honoring Risk & Insurance® Magazine's best workers' compensation and disability management programs of the year. Recognizing excellence and innovation in the workers’ comp and disability communities, the awards honor President Theodore Roosevelt, who pioneered the first federal workers' compensation legislation in the United States.

Laugh ’Til It Hurts  (pix of Schwem)
Greg Schwem, Corporate Comedian

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 1:15 – 2 p.m.

Get ready to laugh with corporate comedian Greg Schwem as he shares with you a lighthearted look at today's workers’ comp and disability industries and the way business is conducted.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Kahn, CEO, WorkPsych Associates; Clinical Associate Professor of
   Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, N.Y.

Thursday, Nov. 20, 10:45 a.m. – 12 p.m.

Mental health issues are among the most common — and most misunderstood — sources of workplace disability. Depression has reached near epidemic proportions, along with absenteeism and presenteeism, leaving many employers wondering what they can do. Dr. Kahn will offer you a unique insight into the root causes of mental health issues, based on his yearlong analysis of a particular employer. More importantly, he’ll show you how you can manage some of the mental health challenges in your workplace.

Aislinn Matthews-Graham, RN BSN, MBA, Occupational Health Nurse, Administrator/Nurse Case Manager, United States Postal Service,
                Albuquerque District, N.M.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The longer you wait to intervene in a workers’ comp claim, the more complex — and expensive — it becomes. Some companies have started employing nurses to handle workplace injuries. Ms. Matthews-Graham will show you how you can keep many workplace injuries from going beyond medical ailments with simple early-intervention tactics.

Session Level: Advanced
Session Type: Discussion

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Electronic billing is slowly but surely becoming the norm in workers’ comp. Driven from the statutory/regulatory vantage points, claims payers are beginning to see that e-billing eases consolidation for providers and reduces duplicate bills, which in turn reduces workloads on claim staffs. Our speakers will outline the process and give you a chance to work through the unique challenges — showing you viable strategies and alternatives to achieve seamless, effective and efficient e-billing.

Winners of Risk & Insurance® Magazine’s Theodore Roosevelt Workers’ Compensation and Disability Management Awards
Moderator: Yolanda Romero, Director of Workers’ Compensation, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philadelphia

Session Level: All
Session Type: Interactive

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

The best workers’ comp programs in the country have been identified, and you have the opportunity to learn what makes them successful. Ms. Romero, a former “Teddy” winner and one of the judges for the awards, will give you insight into why these programs were deemed the best and invite you to ask questions and discuss issues with this year's winners.

Maddy Bowling, Principal, Maddy Bowling & Associates, Wheaton, Ill.
Joel Raedeke, AVP, Strategic Outcomes, Chicago

Session Level: Advanced
Session Type: Interactive

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Useful data from your TPA is essential to reducing your claims costs. But rather than just benchmarking the data, you need to be able to interpret what the information really means to your company. Only then can you make changes that will yield positive results. Our speakers will discuss, and get you involved in learning about, the next generation of data analytics. Find out how to become an active participant in achieving overall better results. Learn what to look for and how to work with a TPA to generate truly positive results in your claims process.

Stephen M. Bennett, Chief Operations Officer, Safety Consulting Group,
    St. Charles, Mo.
Cindy Roth, RN, CEO, Ergonomic Technologies Corporation, Syosset, N.Y.

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Interactive

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Ever wonder what the entire process for handling a workers’ comp claim should look like, or how others do it? In this invaluable, special double session, Mr. Bennett and Ms. Roth will take you through an entire claim — from beginning to end — with YOU doing much of the lifting. Starting with the moment of injury right through the claimant’s return to work, you’ll be an active participant in the progression of the claim.

Stephen M. Bennett, Chief Operations Officer, Safety Consulting Group,
    St. Charles, Mo.
Cindy Roth, RN, CEO, Ergonomic Technologies Corporation, Syosset, N.Y.

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Interactive

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Part II of CM4. See CM4 for Session Description.

Friday, Nov. 21, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Third-party administrators can be a great resource for helping you manage your workers’ comp claims … that is, if they're giving you everything to which you’re entitled. But how do you hold them or other vendors accountable? Ms. Massingill will show you how to use a file audit and claim review to make sure your vendors are using best practices, and specific steps to take if they’re not up to par.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Discussion

Friday, Nov. 21, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

While spinal cord injuries comprise just a fraction of workers’ comp injuries, they account for a significant percentage of the cost. But there’s a new technique that can dramatically improve the quality of life for these patients and potentially significantly reduce your company’s lifetime cost of a claim. The NeuroRecovery Network program is a cutting-edge rehabilitation technique launched by the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In this session, Ms. Morrison will give you the tools to update your strategy to better assist your employees with spinal cord injuries.

Carol Harnett, VP, National Practice Leader, Group Disability & Life Practices, The Hartford, Simsbury, Conn.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Society’s reluctance to discuss mental health issues is taking a toll on employers. Depression is projected to become the second leading cause of disability worldwide by 2020. Other than providing employee assistance programs, most companies do little or nothing to improve the emotional mindset of their employees. Ms. Harnett says there are simple steps employers can take to address this increasing problem. She’ll show you how to recognize employee unhappiness, understand how it impacts your workplace, and give you strategies to reduce depression — and your overall healthcare costs.

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

Behavioral health issues in the workplace can manifest in a variety of ways such as substance abuse, depression, paranoia or mood conditions. This is frustrating, scary and often left “un-managed” by employers in hopes of self-resolution. What's more, co-workers can become resentful and angry — creating additional problems. With thousands of people having a mental illness, developing strategies to manage the conditions can benefit the affected employee and those they work and live with. Ms. Caggianelli will share with you the signs that relate to certain mental illnesses and give you practical advice on how to manage behavioral health issues before they threaten you, your company and your employees.

Jim Brown, VP, FMLA Source, ComPsych Corporation, Chicago

Session Level: All
Session Type: Discussion

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

The vast majority of Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) cases are concurrent with workers’ comp or disability. Understanding the processes for integrating them can save you time and headaches, reduce abuse of the system, and protect your company from liability. Mr. Brown will steer you through integration, showing you strategies you can use to streamline the process.

Carol Harnett, VP, National Practice Leader, Group Disability & Life Practices, The Hartford, Simsbury, Conn.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Ask the Expert

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Are you wondering about wellness programs and what, if any, impact they have on disability programs? What are the latest trends? Are they worth all the hype? Here’s your chance to find out from an expert. Ms. Harnett will be at your disposal to answer questions about wellness programs and the latest trends in employee health management.

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Discussion

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

A well-constructed disability management program can save millions of dollars in workers’ comp costs and protect employees. The key is making sure it’s truly a team effort — from managers to unions and employees, as well as medical, rehabilitation and legal professionals. Mr. Fireoved developed such a program for one company that saw a $12 million savings over a 12-year period. He'll guide you through the road blocks and show you how to implement an effective disability management program.

Tom Dolan, Workers’ Comp Manager, Houston Independent School District, Texas
Connie Miller, VP Business Development, BTE Technologies, Greenwood Village,
    Colo.
Kerwin Williams, Senior VP, Absence and Care Management, Crawford & Co.,
    Atlanta

Session Level: All
Session Type: Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

It doesn’t take an exorbitant amount of money to minimize workers’ comp expenses and promote the health and safety of injured workers. Just ask anyone from the Houston Independent School District (HISD) — winner of the 2007 Risk and Insurance® Magazine Theodore Roosevelt Award. HISD saved more than $14 million in the last five years. Now it’s turning its attention to other benefit lines. Learn how the HISD conducted a physical demands analysis and developed a team of experts with limited resources — and see how you can apply the same strategies to your organization.

Joanne L. Sargent, RN, President, Sargent and Associates Loss Management
    Services, Chelm, Mass.

Session Level: Advanced
Session Type: Discussion

Friday, Nov. 21, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

It’s a proven fact that healthy employees with few or no risk factors are less likely to be injured on the job and more likely to return to work sooner after an injury than workers who smoke, are overweight, get little exercise, or are otherwise unhealthy. But as an employer, there isn’t much you can do to foster a workplace of wellness, right? Not so, say the experts. Ms. Sargent will offer practical, proven strategies, then present real-life scenarios to help you work through ways to improve your organization's wellness culture.

Jana Copeland, Director, DBTAC Rocky Mountain ADA Center,
    Colorado Springs, Colo.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Discussion

Friday, Nov. 21, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

Workers’ comp, injury leave, make whole, FMLA and leave as reasonable accommodation are vital options for employees needing time off from work. But managing the integration of these systems can be tricky. Dr. Copeland will show you practical strategies for integrated leave management and offer numerous resources, as you work through specific scenarios she provides. This session will show you how to use various types of leave to get your injured employees back on the job in a timely, successful manner.

Matthew B. Schiff, Partner, Schiff & Hulbert, Chicago
Panel of Experts (to be announced)
Moderator: James W. Hulbert, Partner, Schiff & Hulbert, Chicago

Session Level: All
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Some of the best legal minds in workers’ comp can give a hot legal tip in 60 seconds or less. Don't believe it? Come see for yourself. Using the popular round robin format, each panelist will have 60 seconds to offer you invaluable, yet practical, advice to handle your workers’ comp claims.

James E. Pocius, Shareholder, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, Philadelphia

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

Workers’ comp litigation can be a nightmare — especially if you’re not properly prepared. Claims managers need to make sure they don’t inadvertently make a fatal error. Attorney James Pocius will identify and explain the top 10 errors that can turn a seemingly simple workers’ comp case into a disaster.

Rusty Watts, Partner, Swift Currie, Atlanta

Session Level: All
Session Type: Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Several hot trends are showing up in workers’ comp cases these days: the use of videotaped evidence at trials; extraterritoriality issues that arise when traveling employees begin to forum-shop; and the use of the Daubert analysis to exclude evidence in workers’ comp, to name a few. In this entertaining, thought-provoking session, Mr. Watts will give you insight and practical applications for handling some of the latest challenges in the courtroom.

James Pocius, Shareholder, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin, Philadelphia

Session Level: All
Session Type: Ask the Expert

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

Medicare has undergone some substantial changes recently that can be a nightmare if you’re trying to settle workers’ comp claims. Mr. Pocius, a much sought-after expert on the subject, will address your questions and concerns in this Ask the Expert session.

Niki Ingram, Shareholder, Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin,
    Philadelphia

Session Level: All
Session Type: Lecture

Friday, Nov. 21, 10:15 – 11:30 a.m.

How do you handle injuries for your independent contractors? Is the process different than it is for regular employees? What about traveling employees? Ms. Ingram will show you how to structure your employment relationships and help you develop strategies to keep your workers' comp costs down for these workers.

Dr. David Cooper, Director of Orthopedic Surgery, The Knee Center, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

There is a good chance that some workers’ comp injuries you’re managing may not be work-related. In many cases, they may not even be age-related. Risky behaviors, such as smoking, obesity, lack of exercise, excessive exercise, and other factors can play as much or more of a role in injuries as accidents and natural causes. How can you tell what’s causing the ailments? Find out, and learn practical strategies to assess each situation from this highly regarded expert.

Dr. Jennifer Christian, President, Webility Corp., Wayland, Mass.

Session Level: Advanced
Session Type: Discussion

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

How can you take new ideas and use them to produce better results in your organization? Come find out, as Dr. Christian helps you understand how to implement the work disability prevention guidelines from the American College for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM). Dr. Christian, who has personally led two successful change initiatives, will discuss in depth how to turn ACOEM's 16 recommendations for improving the stay-at-work and return-to-work processes into consistent realities. This session is aimed at anyone who feels responsible for improving the overall effectiveness of programs that manage workers’ comp cases and claims. Come prepared to work and learn.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Ask the Expert

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Do you have questions about neck, back, shoulder, knee or hip injuries? Think you have a question that not even one of the best workers’ comp physicians can answer? Try it, as this orthopedic expert takes your most difficult questions. Who knows — there may even be a prize for the attendee who can stump him!

Dr. Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach, Physician, Spine Care and Forensic Medicine, PLLC, Tucson, Ariz.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Interactive

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

The American Medical Association has just released its 6th Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment, and there are many changes you need to understand to streamline your workers’ comp program. Widely accepted as the most reliable medical reference on impairment evaluation since its inception in 1971, the Guides are highly valued by physicians who use their authoritative chapters to determine how to assess for impairment. In this session, Dr. Eskay-Auerbach will break it down for you and answer your questions.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Kahn, CEO, WorkPsych Associates; Clinical Associate Professor of
    Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, N.Y.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Discussion

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Distressed executives not only are less productive, but they can negatively affect subordinates, peers, decision making, and the company as a whole. Yet, because of their positions, they can be awkward to approach about seeming distress, and harder still to be guided toward effective solutions. What does this mean for you and your company? What can be done? What lessons apply to all distressed employees? Dr. Kahn will discuss this important topic, present a real-life scenario, and help you figure out solutions to other possible posed scenarios.

Dr. Marjorie Eskay-Auerbach, Physician, Spine Care and Forensic Medicine,
    PLLC, Tucson, Ariz.

Session Level: Advanced
Session Type: Discussion

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Dr. Eskay-Auerbach will first lead you through the necessary steps to make the Guides 6th Edition a relevant and practical resource for managing your workers’ comp claims. Then  she’ll pose a specific scenario and challenge you to apply the 6th Edition before leading you through using it effectively in case management.

Dr. Jeffrey P. Kahn, CEO, WorkPsych Associates; Clinical Associate Professor of
   Psychiatry, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, N.Y.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Ask the Expert

Friday, Nov. 21, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Panic disorder is one of the most overlooked medical conditions, yet it's far more prevalent than you might think. In fact, panic is sometimes called the "Great Pretender," since it can mimic cardiac, pulmonary, phobic, depressive and so many other diseases. But it’s easy to treat when recognized.  Panic disorder is a career-limiting illness that impacts employers — financially and otherwise — as well as the employee. In this Ask the Expert session, you'll have an opportunity to question Dr. Kahn about panic disorder, how it affects your employees, and what you can do about it.

Session Level: Workers' Comp 101
Session Type: Interactive

Wednesday, Nov. 19: 11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

The days of the cookie-cutter workstation are gone if you want to keep your employees free from injury or reinjury. But that doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of time and expense individualizing every workstation. All you need is some insight and simple innovation. Ms. Roth, a sought-after speaker on ergonomics, will show you exactly how to set up the perfect workstation. Using tools from vendors on our trade show floor, she’ll put together an actual workstation right before your eyes!

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Wednesday, Nov. 19, 2:45 – 4 p.m.

Disabled veterans are, and will increasingly be, returning to the workforce. Will they be greeted with open arms? Not likely, says Mr. Pimentel, a disabled veteran himself. In addition to the challenges facing disabled workers, these veterans are returning from an increasingly controversial war — raising attitudinal issues as well. Mr. Pimentel will address myriad issues surrounding soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan and show you how to make your workplace a welcoming environment for them.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Discussion

Thursday, Nov. 20, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Return-to-work is a great concept — except when it doesn’t work. If you’ve seen, heard and read everything you can find about returning injured workers to their jobs as quickly as possible, but can’t seem to make it work for your company, then this is the session for you. During this hands-on roundtable discussion, Mr. Wright will serve as your guide as you work through some of your most difficult RTW challenges.

Yolanda Romero, Director of Workers’ Compensation, Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA), Philadelphia

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 20, 1:30 – 2:45 p.m.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority’s workers’ comp program has seen some amazingly positive results without investing millions of dollars. This award-winning program is the focus of a new effort: to identify the jobs with the largest number of injuries and determine how to make them safer. Starting with data from its TPA, SEPTA officials are doing ergonomic assessments and video job analyses to see if ergonomic changes are needed, retraining operators if necessary, educating panel physicians on what’s expected of the employees, and supporting litigation if necessary. The ultimate goal is to further reduce the number of claimants receiving weekly benefits by preventing new injuries. Ms. Romero will demonstrate what SEPTA did and how you can apply it to your workplace.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

While most workplaces see few, if any, catastrophic injuries, a single case can easily comprise most of a company’s workers’ comp expenses. How these injuries are treated can make a tremendous difference in terms of the human toll on patients and their families, as well as on workplaces and the employer’s bottom line. For example, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries, since they often don’t manifest for several months after an accident. Mr. Folkert and Ms. Swick will provide unique insights and strategies for you to properly help your injured employee, your workplace and your bottom line.

Richard Pimentel, Senior Partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

Session Level: All
Session Type: Discussion

Thursday, Nov. 20, 3:30 – 4:45 p.m.

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to bringing back injured workers is the employee’s supervisor. Despite your best efforts, an uncooperative manager can be the kiss of death for a successful return-to-work program. Mr. Pimentel will guide you through the process of overcoming a boss’s bad attitude in this session.

Jill Dulich, Senior Director, Marriott Claims Services, Western Region, Marriott
    International Inc., Santa Ana, Calif.

Session Level: Cutting Edge
Session Type: Lecture

Friday, Nov. 21, 8:45 – 10 a.m.

Here’s a unique way to get injured workers back to their jobs quicker: Set up contracts with them that track their work through the course of accommodation and move them from their own areas to others in the company. That’s what Marriott’s been doing successfully for over four years — in both their unionized and non-union hotels. Ms. Dulich will show you how you can implement a similar program in your workplace, and she'll describe a chargeback program which gives managers incentives to keep the claimant working during the transitional-duty process.