National And State-by-state Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered By Larson's (5/13/2013)

LexisNexis® Legal Newsroom Missouri: Young Woman Who Won't Quit Smoking Awarded Permanent Total Attention Lexis Online Subscribers: Case citations link to lexis.com. Bracketed case citations link to Lexis Advance. A 33 year old woman in Marion County hurt her back lifting a box of books, had back surgery and asserts she was unable to work due to nonunion and intractable back pain. The issue in the case was whether the employer owed for life-time benefits when her addiction to smoking prevented her from having another back...
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How To Report Workers' Compensation Fraud

Workers comp cheaters must be caught

It's a form of theft that some employers, employees or medical providers use to get money not due them. Workers' compensation is for legitimate on-the-job employee injuries; fraud hurts the small-business owner because it often results in higher premium fees. In most states, when you suspect workers' compensation fraud, you must follow specific steps to report it. Fraud Definition Workers' compensation fraud occurs when an employee, medical provider or an employer lies to get workers' compensation benefits he is not entitled to. Medical providers who bill for services not rendered and an employee who fakes an injury to get benefits are both defrauding the system by accepting money or medical benefits to which they are not entitled. Workers' compensation benefits involve a no-fault system for the sole purpose of covering the medical expenses and lost wages for an employee's on-the-job injury. Red Flags Because workers' compensation fraud is a serious charge, it's important to review the red flags that indicate a potential fraudulent claim. When you suspect fraud, these red flags can validate your suspicions.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://yourbusiness.azcentral.com/report-workers-compensation-fraud-16426.html

Management members of the workers comp council are proposing a fee schedule as a way to control costs, setting prices at 175 percent of what Medicare pays. They argue that cash payments cant decline forever and medical costs are expected to continue going up. But the nonvoting medical industry representatives on the council objected. A fee schedule, they argue, could lead to fewer doctors taking workers comp patients, resulting in reduced access, more time away from work and higher costs to the system. Labor members of the council havent supported the fee schedule, but for the first time agree that something needs to be done to control the medical costs, said Stephanie Bloomingdale, secretary-treasurer of the Wisconsin AFL-CIO. What we would like to see is more money going into workers pockets, Bloomingdale said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://lacrossetribune.com/news/local/legislators-consider-workers-comp-changes/article_f1354284-1dba-11e3-b7c0-0019bb2963f4.html

Workers' Comp Plan Sought for Gulfstream

Romans spends about $140,000 a year combined for workers' compensation coverage in Florida, Kentucky, and New York, Vaccarezza said. Trainer Milt Wolfson, now based at Gulfstream, has four employees and 10 horses. He is paying $14,000 this year for workers' compensation coverage even though he has a low claims rate. Vaccarezza and Wolfson are among the horsemen who expect that paying for group coverage would be less expensive than what trainers now pay for finding their own policies. Over the past two months Vaccarezza has evolved from being an outspoken critic of some Florida HBPA policies, especially those related to Gulfstream, to his current role of working with the organization on some projects.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/80633/workers-comp-plan-sought-for-gulfstream

Md. physicians put high mark-up on workers comp pain-killers

They also taped her using a wheelchair for a visit to the doctor, then getting out of it after she left. She was convicted of fraud and sentenced to a year in prison. The two were ordered to pay $173,332 in restitution. Sometimes, the SID gets help from working Ohioans fed up with workers' compensation fraud by people they know. One man used his cell phone to videotape a coworker bragging about faking an injury so he could collect workers' compensation. Outrageous stories about workers' compensation fraud are more than just anecdotes.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.mariettatimes.com/page/content.detail/id/554159/Workers-comp-cheaters-must-be--caught.html?nav=5004

Rating bureau recommends 6.9 percent increase in California workers' comp rates

It found in many instances that average prices paid to physician-dispensers for prescription drugs are more than double the prices paid at pharmacies. Physician dispensing makes up about 40% of workers compensation prescriptions, but about 55% of the payments, according to the report. The report focused only on workers compensation payments, though physicians also dispense medication to patients whose bills are covered through other payors such as private insurance. Cost per pill: $0.37 compared to $1.46 One example in the report was that Vicodin cost $1.46 per pill when dispensed by a physician, compared to $0.37 at a pharmacy, according to a press release on the study. The report finds the trend even held true with over-the-counter medications for instance, Zantac costs $0.35 per pill at Walgreens, compared to $3.40 per pill dispensed by Maryland physicians, nearly 10 times as much. Data for the report came from payors in Maryland that represented 37% of the claims in the states workers compensation system. The system is paid for by employers through legally mandated insurance. Included were 16,860 claims where workers missed more than seven days of lost pay with injuries between Oct.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://baltimorepostexaminer.com/md-physicians-put-high-mark-up-on-workers-comp-pain-killers/2013/09/17

Legislators consider workers' comp changes

Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones can accept, reject or modify the proposed rate increase after hearings this fall. Insurers often follow the commissioner's pure-premium rate recommendations, but aren't required to do so. The proposed rate "reflects insurer loss and loss adjustment experience" as of June 30, WCIRB said in a statement, but doesn't include "any provision" for the impact of medical fee schedule changes being considered by the state Division of Workers' Compensation. The advisory group's governing committee will meet Oct. 23 to consider how those changes might affect typical workers' compensation rates and "whether an amendment" to these proposed rate increases is justified. Pure premium rates are average base rates.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2013/09/workers-compensation-rate-filing.html

National And State-by-state Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered By Larson's (4/22/2013)

National and State-by-State Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered by Larson's (4/22/2013) Related Articles Author: LexisNexis Workers' Comp Law Newsroom Staff National and State-by-State Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered by Larson's (4/22/2013) Sign up here for our free workers' compensation enewsletters (National or California Edition) to receive weekly news items. Be sure to select the enewsletter of your choice. NATIONAL NEWS:
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Bill Limiting Workers' Comp Claims By Athletes Is Sent To Governor

Call Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorneys, Cummings & Middlebrooks, for Aggravation of Injury or Pre-existing Condition

The bill, AB 1309 by Assemblyman Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno), cleared the Assembly on a 66-3 vote and was sent to Gov. Jerry Brown . The governor is expected to sign the bill into law, Perea's office said. Last week, the measure received an overwhelming endorsement in the state Senate with a 34-2 vote.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-athletes-comp-bill-20130910,0,5033688.story

Texas marks centennial anniversary of workers' compensation laws

It is a good idea to contact an attorney as soon as possible since it could take a long time to get benefits started, especially if litigation is necessary, and to avoid statute of limitations problems. Under state law, Atlanta workers' comp lawyers cannot charge a fee for representing a client in a workers' compensation case unless they recover income benefits. That means clients do not pay anything unless -- and until -- they receive workers' comp benefits. In discussing their expertise in the field of workers' compensation, Will Cummings, Partner at Cummings & Middlebrooks, notes, "My partner Tray Middlebrooks and I both began our careers working for insurance companies. That experience gave us unique insight into the methods those companies use to avoid paying claims. We can accurately anticipate their arguments and are prepared to address any defense they assert. This enables us to successfully represent our clients." For information on the Atlanta workers' compensation attorneys , and to schedule a free consultation, call (404) 250-3292 or visit http://www.cmlawllp.com/index.php . About Cummings & Middlebrooks: Cummings & Middlebrooks is a worker's compensation and personal injury law firm serving metro Atlanta and most of central and north Georgia. They specialize in helping people who have been injured at work or by the negligence of others.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.24-7pressrelease.com/press-release/call-atlanta-workers-compensation-attorneys-cummings-amp-middlebrooks-for-aggravation-of-injury-or-preexisting-condition-360706.php

Report workers' comp fraud

Yet SID investigators got tape of her walking around, using both her arms and legs. They also taped her using a wheelchair for a visit to the doctor, then getting out of it after she left. She was convicted of fraud and sentenced to a year in prison. The two were ordered to pay $173,332 in restitution. An Akron woman was ordered to repay $88,000 in benefits after she was caught running the clothing store she owned, apparently without difficulty.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.tribune-chronicle.com/page/content.detail/id/592930/Report-workers--comp-fraud.html?nav=5007

In observance of this centennial date, Commissioner of Workers Compensation Rod Bordelon released this statement: For a Limited Time receive a FREE HR Report "Critical HR Recordkeeping." This exclusive special report covers hiring records, employment relationships, termination records, litigation issues, electronic information issues, tips for better recordkeeping, and a list of legal requirements. Download Now "The Texas workers' compensation system has played a pivotal role in the economic development of the Lone Star State over the last century by providing a safety net http://attorney-in-temecula.com/more-information/workers-compensation/ for employees who are injured on the job and lawsuit protections for employers," Bordelon said. "Our state-based statutory system provides injured employees with medical and income benefits on a no-fault basis while encouraging employees to return to work as quickly and safely as possibleand that keeps our workforce active and productive." The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers Compensation (TDI-DWC) is the agency responsible for administering the Texas workers' compensation system. To find out more information about workers compensation, contact the TDI-DWC through one of its local field offices throughout the state or visit the agencys website at http://www.tdi.texas.gov/wc/indexwc.html .
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://hr.blr.com/HR-news/HR-Administration/Workers-Workmen-Compensation/Texas-marks-centennial-anniversary-of-workers-comp

National And State-by-state Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered By Larson's (3/25/2013)

National and State-by-State Workers' Comp News visite site Roundup Powered by Larson's (3/25/2013) Related Articles Author: LexisNexis Workers' Comp Law Newsroom Staff National and State-by-State Workers' Comp News Roundup Powered by Larson's (3/25/2013) Sign up here for our free workers' compensation enewsletters (National or California Edition) to receive weekly news items. Be sure to select the enewsletter of your choice. NATIONAL NEWS:
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/Community/workerscompensationlaw/blogs/newsheadlines/archive/2013/03/24/national-and-state-by-state-workers-comp-news-roundup-powered-by-larson-s-3-25-2013.aspx

Okla. Gov Makes Workers' Comp Team Appointment

The new law is intended to overhaul the state's workers' compensation system. Kirschner will join Troy Wilson Sr. on the transition team. Wilson was previously appointed by the governor as chairman of the new workers' compensation commission. Wilson and Kirschner will develop rules by Nov. 1 for the new system.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2013-09-09/okla-dot-gov-makes-workers-comp-team-appointment

The Importance of Medical Bill Review in Workers Compensation

Often, durable http://theworkerscompensationdirectory.com/ medical equipment will not fit into the state fee schedule, or if it is covered in the fee schedule, it is under a miscellaneous code. The medical bill review company should be able to verify the cost is proper for durable medical equipment. Turn Around Time Should be Prompt Turn-around time on medical bill processing should be prompt as some states impose penalties for late payment of medical, California for example. As there are often delays with the medical provider sending the bill and delays in the mail, the medical bill review company needs to act quickly on reviewing and adjudicating the bill. The medical bill review company should have a turn-around time of 7 days or less. If you need assistance in the identification or selection of an excellent medical bill review company, please contact us.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.workerscompensation.com/compnewsnetwork/mobile/workers-comp-blogwire/17453-the-importance-of-medical-bill-review-in-workers-compensation.html

Fallin makes workers' comp transition team appointment

Kirschner will join Troy Wilson Sr., who previously was appointed by the governor as chairman of the new workers compensation commission, on the transition team. They will work to implement changes in the workers compensation court system called for in Senate Bill 1062. The measure is intended to overhaul the workers compensation system, which has been called a detriment to business and industry to the state. Wilson and Kirschner will develop rules by Nov. 1 for the new system, which is to be up and running by Feb. 1. Wilson will serve as a commission chairman for the new system and Kirschner will be one of the systems administrative law judges. As the executive director of the Commerce Department, a business lawyer and civic leader, Jonna Kirschner understands how important it is for Oklahoma to have a business friendly environment, Fallin said.
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.edmondsun.com/local/x250210797/Fallin-makes-workers-comp-transition-team-appointment

Workers’ Compensation Resources Research Report, Issue 6 May 2013

Workers' Compensation Resources Research Report, Issue 6 May 2013 Related Articles Author: LexisNexis Workers' Comp Law Newsroom Staff Workers' Compensation Resources Research Report, Issue 6 May 2013 An order blank for Issue 6 of the WCRRR can be obtained by writing to John F. Burton, Jr. at JBWCR@aol.com . Issue 6 of the Workers' Compensation Resources Research Report (WCRRR) examines the employers' costs of workers' compensation. Part I relies on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) to examined national trends from 1986 to 2012. For private-sector employers, costs dropped for the seventh year in a row and represented 1.80 percent of payroll in 2012, the lowest figure since 1986. For all non-federal employers, costs of workers' compensation dropped to 1.79 percent of payroll in 2012, the lowest figure since the data series began in 1991. Part II examines BLS data on the differences in the employers' costs of workers' compensation due to factors such as geographical location, industry, union status, and occupations of the firm's employees. The variations of workers' compensation costs among industries were significant in 2012, ranging from 4.47 percent of payroll in construction to 0.63 percent of payroll in the financial industry. Part III provides state-level data on the employers' costs of workers' compensation from two sources: employer costs as a percent of payroll as reported by the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI) and premium rates as a percent of payroll as measured by the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services (Oregon). For some states, the NASI and Oregon data are similar: for example, both measures indicate that California costs were 131 percent of the national median of costs in 2010. But there were 25 states where the two measures of employers' costs of workers' compensation differed by 20 percent or more. This is one reason, among others presented in Part http://attorney-in-temecula.com/more-information/workers-compensation/ III, why interstate comparisons of the employers' costs of workers' compensation must be done cautiously or even avoided. Tags:
For the original version including any supplementary images or video, visit http://www.lexisnexis.com/Community/workerscompensationlaw/blogs/newsheadlines/archive/2013/05/08/workers-compensation-resources-research-report-issue-6-may-2013.aspx