SOWC Episode 4, At the Intersection of Safety and Workers’ Comp (Video Version)

This episode features noted Occ Health Expert Dr. Robert Emery, Professor of Occupational Health at University of Texas School of Public Health. He takes us into the cross section of workplace safety and occupational health with a dynamic discussion around the impact of awareness and prevention.  A copy of the Performance Based Metrics Study Bob mentions in the podcast is available here. Bob Emery has over 40 years of experience in…

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SOWC – Episode 4, At the Intersection of Safety and Workers’ Comp (Audio Version)

This episode features noted Occ Health Expert Dr. Robert Emery, Professor of Occupational Health at University of Texas School of Public Health. He takes us into the cross section of workplace safety and occupational health with a dynamic discussion around the impact of awareness and prevention.  A copy of the Performance Based Metrics Study Bob mentions in the podcast is available here. Bob Emery has over 40 years of experience in…

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Swedlow @ WCRI: Current Events in California Workers’ Compensation

At the recent Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) Annual Conference in Phoenix, Alex Swedlow of the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) presented key findings on the current state of California’s workers’ compensation system. His presentation highlighted significant improvements in efficiency and cost control while acknowledging persistent challenges in the nation’s largest workers’ compensation market. Claim Dynamics and Post-Pandemic Recovery California has returned to pre-pandemic claim volumes, with COVID-related claims now…

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Applying Emotional Intelligence in Claims Management

Thursday, May 22, 2025 @ 1:00 PM Eastern Presenters: Course Summary: This course explores the vital role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) in the claims management process, emphasizing how it enhances communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. Participants will gain an understanding of EI’s core components—self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management—and how these skills contribute to more effective claimant interactions. Through engaging discussions, real-world case studies, and interactive polls, attendees will…

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WCRI Panel Explores Shifting Dynamics in Medical Workforce and Workers’ Compensation

At the Workers' Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) Annual Conference in Phoenix yesterday, researchers presented findings on how changes in the medical workforce are impacting workers' compensation systems across the United States. The presentation highlighted significant shifts in who provides care to injured workers and what these changes mean for claim outcomes. The panel began by addressing widespread concerns about healthcare provider shortages that have been amplified during the pandemic. While…

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WCRI Keynote – US Healthcare at a Crossroads: Incremental Change Ahead After Years of Transformation

Thursday, at the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) Annual Conference being held in Phoenix, AZ, Keynote speaker Lanhee Chen, Ph.D., from Stanford University offered a comprehensive analysis of the US healthcare system’s trajectory. His presentation, “The US Healthcare System in 2025, Where We’ve Been, Where We Are, and What’s to Come ” provided insights into past transformations and projected future developments. Chen opened with a central thesis: after a period…

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Straight Outta Workers’ Comp (Audio), Episode 3 – Updates in the MSP World

In this episode of Straight Outta Workers' Comp, hosts Bob Wilson and Mark Pew discuss significant changes in the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) sector with expert guests Heather Sanderson and Brendan D'Souza from Sanderson Firm. The conversation covers upcoming regulatory updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including new mandatory reporting requirements for workers' compensation settlements over $750, the elimination of CMS review for zero-dollar Medicare Set-Asides…

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Straight Outta Workers’ Comp (Video), Episode 3 – Updates in the MSP World

In this episode of Straight Outta Workers' Comp, hosts Bob Wilson and Mark Pew discuss significant changes in the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) sector with expert guests Heather Sanderson and Brendan D'Souza from Sanderson Firm. The conversation covers upcoming regulatory updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), including new mandatory reporting requirements for workers' compensation settlements over $750, the elimination of CMS review for zero-dollar Medicare Set-Asides…

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WCRI Will Not Disappoint, With Healthcare Policy Experts to Headline 2025 Conference

The Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) has announced a compelling lineup of speakers and panels for its 2025 Issues & Research Conference, scheduled for March 6-7 in Phoenix, Arizona. The conference will feature prominent healthcare policy experts addressing critical challenges facing the workers’ compensation industry. Many of us look forward to this annual event, as it is generally considered the launch of the conference season for the workers’ compensation industry.…

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Will Alaska Legislators Jump the Shark on Workers’ Comp Death Benefits?

Most people at this point are familiar with the phrase “jumping the shark.” Those of us old enough to remember its origins know that it developed from an episode of the 1970’s show “Happy Days,” that consisted of the persistently cool Arthur “Fonzie” Fonzarelli jumping a shark on water skis. The stunt came late in the show’s life and became emblematic of a program that had gone too far, from…

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