WCRI has become a MUST DO conference for all involved in the industry; there are over 400 attending this year. Here’s a quick morning-after takeaway list.
- Differing views on the afternoon devoted to Opt-Out; some felt it was too much time for too esoteric a topic; it’s only available in two states.
- In contrast, others felt it was time well spent as there is a growing interest in opt out in several states, so getting the facts (such as they are) and hearing from pro- and opponents at the same venue was quite valuable.
- John Ruser “fits” very well. John has a style and persona that is ideal for WCRI’s new leader; he is humble, thoughtful, and very, very knowledgeable. Kudos to WCRI’s Board for their selection of John.
- There is an epic battle shaping up in California over UR and IMR between the self-described “claimant advocates” and employer communities. As this is taking place in the state with over 20% of total work comp premium, the stakes could not be higher.
- There’s a LOT of work yet to be done to understand the potential impact of ACA and health reform on comp. This is an area where WCRI needs to spend a lot more time understanding what actually happens in the patient encounter and billing decision process, how the health care delivery “system” functions, how financial flows work in group health, and what motivates physicians.
This morning, a deep dive into disability payments and drivers thereof…
Joe, do you ever feel that topics, such as opt out, are given such attention because there comes a point where there is not much new to discuss?
Hi Frank – that and some of the most important topics, such as the mis-incentives and inappropriate incentives drive inappropriate behaviour. And the lack of concern about and focus on quality that pervades the industry. And the lack of real appreciation for the central importance of medical and disability especially among those who only THINK they get it.