Comp Frequency Down, Med Costs Up, Says Testing Firm

The firm said its research revealed three key concerns and requirements in order to perform more effectively in 2010. It listed control of medical costs and outcomes first.

OCM said across the board, survey participants had experienced a decrease in claims frequency but a significant rise in the medical cost component of their claims. Increasing at twice the rate of general inflation, medical expenses are the biggest cost-containment challenge.

The survey found all levels of workers' compensation professionals are under "tremendous pressure to demonstrate a high level of performance."

Clients, according to the OCM poll, are requiring audits and ongoing reports that quantify and meet key performance measures, as they relate to claims handling, utilization of provider networks and achieving early return-to-work outcomes.

The firm said that as a result, organizations need services and tools to help them offload and manage specialized functions, so they can better focus on tasks impacting client service, costs and outcomes.

The survey found an ongoing need for education. OCM said claims and nurse professionals must become familiar with a number of sophisticated topics, including medical procedures and regulatory changes.

It noted that "in today's difficult economy, training budgets have been reduced. Many organizations must supplement in-house training with other cost-effective opportunities to expand expertise while meeting continuing education requirements."

Bill Colacurcio, director of marketing at One Call Medical, said by conducting market research, OCM hears "firsthand about the challenges many workers' compensation professionals face."

He said OCM addresses top industry concerns it finds by focusing on delivering accurate results, which it said helps to guide an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan, and leads to early recovery and return-to-work outcomes.

The firm also uses sophisticated analytics to help organizations become accountable to a higher level of performance in diagnostic management and helps organizations implement leakage capture strategies that provide retrospective and prospective savings.

Performance reports quantify the client's increased ability to manage advanced radiology and achieve savings over time.

To address educational needs, OCM said it is offering a series of free webinars and continuing education units (CEUs) that help claims adjusters and nurse case managers understand complex medical, diagnostic and workers' compensation issues.

Training opportunities are free and available online through OCM University. Registration and a calendar of events are online at www.onecallmedical.com, via the OCM Knowledge Center and by selecting Webinars/CEUs.