Claims management track focuses on high-exposure claims, return to work

Return-to-Work: Has Yesterday's Asset Become Today's Liability?

The speaker is Richard Pimentel, senior partner, Milt Wright & Associates, Granada Hills, Calif.

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Today's employment climate has made return-to-work programs challenging. Some participants question whether these programs are relevant or feasible. One of the nation's leading experts on return to work and disability management conducts a step-by-step evaluation of the RTW process, including the legal ramifications of the ADA Amendments Act. The session takes place Nov. 7 from 10:45 a.m. to noon.

From Hire to Retire: Battling Leakage in the War on Cost Management. The speakers are:

Tim Carter, director of risk management and real estate sales at Goodrich Corp.
Kathy Kukor, senior consultant at Risk International Services.

The most effective workers' comp cost strategies begin before someone is hired and continue through the person's retirement. Gaining input from all parties involved is key. The speakers explain the cost-management process and explore areas of leakage and why they occur. The session takes place Nov. 7 from 2:30-3:45 p.m.

Think Tank on Medicare Issues Related to Workers' Compensation.

The facilitator is James Pocius, a shareholder with Marshall, Dennehey, Warner, Coleman & Goggin. This open forum will include a discussion of Medicare-related challenges and solutions. The facilitator will help attendees understand the obstacles of Medicare issues and provide feedback. The session takes place Nov. 7 from 2:30-3:45 p.m.

A Blueprint for Successful High-Exposure Claims Closures. The panelists are:

Barry Bloom, a consultant with The bdb Group.
Suzanne Guyan, director of product development for CompPartners Inc.
William Zachry, vice president of risk management at Safeway.

A concept increasingly being used for high-risk claims brings together claims, legal, and medical stakeholders in a roundtable triage to plan strategy and develop solutions. The speakers will discuss the "Double Play" tool and demonstrate how to use it. The session takes place Nov. 8 from 8:45-10 a.m.

After the Deal: Adjusting to Consolidation of TPAs or Insurers.

The speaker is Julia Sfurm, the corporate risk operations manager at Elkay Manufacturing Co.

The fallout from the consolidation of insurers and third-party administrators can be challenging for risk managers at client companies. Attendees will learn how to manage dual processes and teams during a transition, how to evaluate the claims handling process for past and future cohesiveness, and know what to ask the adjusting company and communicate the changes to leadership within the organization. The session takes place Nov. 8 from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Inclusion Improves Outcomes: One Agency's Success With High-Risk Claimants.

The speaker is Marcy B. Feuerstein, a consultant with Marrich Consulting Services and the former officer of employee benefits at Imperial Irrigation District. Employers can dramatically reduce lost workdays and improve their bottom lines by bringing problem claimants into the claims management process early and often. The speaker will discuss the trials and tribulations she confronted while implementing a highly successful program. The session takes place Nov. 8 from 1:15-2:30 p.m.

Front and Center: Bloggers Speak Out on the State of Workers' Compensation. The panelists are:

David DePaolo, JD, founder/president/CEO of WorkCompCentral.com.
Joseph Paduda, principal of Health Strategy Associates and author of the ManagedCareMatters blog.
Peter Rousmaniere, columnist for Risk & Insurance® Magazine, consultant and author of www.workingimmigrants.com.
Rebecca Shafer, JD, president of Amaxx Risk Solutions Inc. and author of the ReduceYourWorkersComp.com blog.
Robert Wilson, president and CEO of WorkersCompensation.com.
Moderator: Mark Walls, vice president of claims for Safety National.

Some of the most popular workers' comp bloggers opine on the latest industry trends in this fast-paced session. The session takes place Nov. 8 from 3-4:15 p.m.

The Experience Rating Worksheet: An Ever-Changing Story of Your Costs.

The speaker is Kory Wells, product director of broker analytics for Zywave Inc.

Employers and risk managers looking to control costs and improve productivity will get some tools to better handle their experience modifications. The session also will focus on the major experience rating plan change being implemented in most jurisdictions next year. The session takes place Nov. 9 from 9-10:15 a.m.

Considering Opt-Out: Lessons Learned From Two Employers. The speakers are:

Rick Sumner, director of insurance and safety for Dollar General.
Becky Robinson, assistant vice president for Hobby Lobby.
Moderator: Jack Roberts, managing principal of New Street Group.

Discontent with the workers' comp system led Oklahoma to consider joining Texas in allowing employers to opt out. Two employers who opted out of the Texas system share their insights. The session takes place Nov. 9 from 10:45 a.m. to noon.

The 21st annual National Workers' Compensation and Disability Conference® & Expo takes place at the Las Vegas Convention Center, Nov. 7-9. The conference is produced by LRP Publications. For more information, visit the conference website at www.wcconference.com.

Read more at the WorkersComp Forum homepage.

July 16, 2012

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