CWCI Finds Dwindling Savings From Medical Networks

By Elaine Goodman
State: California
Topic: Top
- Popular with: Legal
- 10 shares

Medical provider networks, intended to improve care for injured workers and reduce medical spending,…

Purchase this story for only $7.99!

Add to Cart

For access to all our articles, check out our subscription options.

2 Comments (One Reply)

Close Do not post libelous remarks. You are solely responsible for the postings you input. By posting here you agree to hold harmless and indemnify WorkCompCentral for any damages and actions your post may cause.

John Don May 25, 2018 a 8:05 am PDT

If you add the cost of UR/IMR - we may conclude that all these reforms did little to curtail unnecessary costs while throwing the injured worker into a regulatory rabbit hole. Only a miracle rabbit can get out without being embittered by all the denials due to cost containment's. What's up doc?!

Paul Johnson May 25, 2018 a 10:05 am PDT

The RFA/UR/IMR process also creates unwarranted delays in receiving basic medical treatment which can create unnecessary (longer) periods of temporary disability. It's hard to explain to injured workers, who want treatment so they can get back to work, the reason(s) why treatment is delayed/denied.

Dr May 25, 2018 a 11:05 am PDT

Not a surprise -- we know from "Opioid Prescribing and Panic," workcompcentral, 2017-08-15, that many MPNs (Medical Provider Networks) denied injured workers access to alternative treatments for pain in the belief that the MPN would save money. Treating doctors were then obliged to rely on opioids and other medications when the alternative treatments were denied. That's what happens when "regulators" get the upper hand ("What happens when clinicians don't trust regulators," workcompcentral, 2015-12-02). -- Robert L. Weinmann, MD, Editor, The Weinmann Report, www.politicsofhealthcare.com