CLAIMS SESSIONS

From Macro to Micro—Global Perspectives and State Fund Strategies on Return to Work

A global perspective will be provided on the roles of various stakeholders in return to work to prevent disability, and how a state fund benefits from helping claim stakeholders understand their role, develop a return-to-work culture within a large system, and incentivize return to work.

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Speakers:

• Peter Federko, CEO, Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board

• Vickie Kennedy, Assistant Director for Insurance Services, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

Heads Up—Managing Work-Related Concussion Claims

Understand and navigate through the complexities of a concussion diagnosis and mild TBI for a successful outcome of return to work and maximum medical improvement. We will discuss best practices for interviewing a newly injured employee, recognizing different treatment options, and educating the employer.

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Moderator:

• Katherine Piunti, Claims Director, Chesapeake Employers Insurance

Panel:            

• Pamela Reed AIC, CWCP, WCP, Claims Supervisor, Chesapeake Employers Insurance

• Nathaniel Rosene DPT, Physical Therapist, NovaCare Rehabilitation

• Stacie Goodrich, MA, OTR/L, CDMS, QRC, Senior Rehabilitation Consultant, CompRehab, Inc.

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Adjusters—Shaping Today's Trainees Into Tomorrow's Claim Champions

It doesn’t matter where you are from or how large the organization is, we all have common challenges. By presenting what our organizations do differently, we will be able to give the audience ideas they can take back to their organization, regardless of size. Topics will include program structure, time commitments for trainers, certification or licensing requirements, and measuring success.

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Speakers:

• Josh Hinkle, Senior Manager of Leadership Development, State Fund in California

• Vickie Kennedy, Assistant Director for Insurance Services, Washington State Department of Labor and Industries

• Shari Truax, Claim Program Director, Montana State Fund

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Telehealth—A Case Study

WSI recently explored the option of bringing flexibility in treatment to the workers’ compensation world. WSI’s Telehealth Program began in January 2018. This session will focus on adopting new technology for treatment for injured workers and WSI’s experience. Discussion will encompass the full scope of telehealth, from triage to possible video physician assessment, and the potential referral for treatment in a clinic setting. The session will also feature a mock telehealth visit demonstration by CorVel. You will be able to see firsthand how an injured worker will be evaluated by a video visit. The session will conclude with a brief question and answer opportunity, along with some perspectives from Missouri, which already has a program in flight.

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Speakers:

• Tim Wahlin, JD, Chief of Injury Services, Workforce Safety & Insurance (WSI), North Dakota