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One way to contain spiraling medical costs in the workers' comp system is through the use of fee schedules, right? Maybe, say officials with a third-party administrator who will speak at the National Workers' Compensation and Disability ConferenceŽ & Expo.

Oklahoma employers will soon have the option of opting out of the state's workers' comp system. That is, unless the courts get the issue and decide otherwise.

Some of the hottest issues affecting workers' comp/disability practitioners are the focus of this year's sessions.

The end of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act may result in "fewer insurers offering terrorism insurance and prices potentially could increase," according to a new report.

The year 2012 saw the lowest fatality and injury rates in the history of U.S. mining, according to preliminary data.

It's now up to Tennessee's governor to decide whether to remove his state from the short list of those with court-based dispute resolution systems for workers' comp claims.

Legislation that would largely block out-of-state professional athletes from seeking workers' comp benefits in California is gaining ground on both sides.

New tracks, interactive risk scenarios, and a special 60 tips general session highlight the 2013 conference.

A focus on mobile workers and the advanced use of metrics are among the achievements cited for the winners of hearing loss prevention awards.

Bill Zachry has seen a side of the workers' comp system few in the industry have.

At present, there are approximately 5.5 million veterans of working age who have disabilities, but the number may be higher due to underreporting and underdiagnosis.

Safeway Inc., the third-largest retail grocery company in the country, is home to Bill Zachry. He has been at the company since 2001 and serves as its vice president and risk manager.

Mandatory utilization review, the lack of fee schedules, and major legislative reforms are having major ramifications for medical costs in the workers' comp system.

Alex Swedlow has no plans to scale back on doing research any time soon. In fact, the soon-to-be president of the California Workers' Compensation Institute says he is ready to embark on an ambitious research agenda over the next 12 months.

An enhanced focus on disability management, a special evening reception and awards presentation, and a new venue are among the changes coming to this year's conference. Two industry veterans are at the programming helm.

Legislation to further extend the federal backstop for private insurers on terrorism-related losses is officially before a House panel. The current law is due to expire next year, causing concern among insurers about policies renewing in January -- especially workers' comp.

On average, pharmaceuticals comprise about 19 percent of each dollar spent on medical costs in the workers' comp system, according to NCCI. But a Maine-based insurer reports its percentage is less than one-quarter of that.

A shift in focus from treating the loss of function to relieving pain explains much of the cost differences for workers' comp claims more than 20 years old, according to new research.

Eight workers' comp experts agree that opioids are still one of the biggest challenges facing practitioners. Other concerns include physician dispensing, comorbidities, and access to medical care.

Are workers' comp practitioners by and large using social media to improve the industry? It's a question several industry insiders hope to answer through a pair of surveys.