According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI), since 2001, medical expenses for workers compensation insurance claims have increased nationwide by an annual average of 8 percent. If rising medical costs are driving workers compensation’ expenses, asked Paladin Managed Care services, why are we still using the old-fashioned indemnity model to manage that care?

The time is long overdue for a shift in medical management that replaces the old indemnity focused system – and puts the emphasis on the right care and the right time to achieve both better human and financial results. So, Paladin Managed Care Services introduced a model that does just that: places physicians in charge of managing the care for the injured worker.

An actuarial study conducted by SeaBright Insurance Company shows that when comparing patients with similar injuries, medical costs are reduced by an average 8 percent if physicians manage their care. Additional results show that the amount of time a patient is off work is reduced by an average 11 percent when a consulting physician works with the treating physician to determine the best course of treatment. It is these results, outlined in a white paper, “How Physician-Guided Managed Care Services Benefit the Patient, the Insured, and the Insurer,” that show the value of peer-to-peer credibility of doctors to lower claims costs while retaining the importance of patient care. This dynamic is also confirmed in a recent article of Rough Notes magazine, where Dan Brennan, RN, MSN, senior vice president of claims of GUARD Insurance Company, a commercial property and casualty carrier located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, states “you get 100% better response when a doctor picks up the phone and contacts the treating physician.” Just as important, he says, “the estimates for future costs are rarely disputed.”

Working with Scott Public Relations, Paladin spread the good news about this game-changing approach in a series of news releases, media articles and news releases.

If you’re in healthcare, insurance, technology or other professional services industries, and need help public relations campaign, contact Scott Public Relations.

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