Broadspire® Launches Workers Compensation Health Care Network in Texas

ATLANTA, Dec. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to state legislative requirements, Broadspire, a Crawford Company (NYSE: CRDA; CRDB) and leading third party administrator (TPA) and medical management services provider, has successfully launched its Workers Compensation Health Care Network (HCN) in Texas.

The Broadspire Workers Compensation HCN is a certified network that is part of Broadspire's state-stratified, multi-tiered BOLD Network(SM). Broadspire has customized its network to each jurisdiction, rather than casting a wide net, producing superior penetration rates and savings.

In the state of Texas, 2005 House Bill 7 (HB7) reformed the Texas Workers Compensation System by eliminating voluntary preferred provider organization (PPO) networks. To contract with providers and negotiate discounted rates, Texas requires companies to form a Texas-certified HCN. The HCN must meet a number of regulations that include clinical practices Broadspire has long upheld:

• Each network must have Texas-certified utilization review.
• Each network must have a case management program with certified case managers performing the service in Texas.
• Each network must have certified case management registered nurses performing triage of files to assess the appropriateness of case management.
• The chief medical officer/medical director must be a Texas-licensed physician.

Broadspire is currently certified in 144 counties covering approximately 95 percent of the working population. The service area includes greater Dallas, Houston, Galveston, Austin, San Antonio, El Paso, Amarillo and the Rio Grande Valley.

Broadspire has also contracted with most workers compensation carriers to allow their customers to utilize the network.  All employees participating in Broadspire's HCN will receive a handbook that sets out, in both English and Spanish, the benefits of the network, protocols for emergency and non-emergency injuries, instructions for finding a network provider and answers to many frequently asked questions regarding the network. Information about the network also is available to all employees by calling a toll free number.

About Broadspire

Broadspire (www.choosebroadspire.com), a leading international third party administrator, provides risk management solutions designed to help clients improve their financial results. Broadspire offers casualty claim and medical management services to assist large organizations in achieving their unique goals, increasing employee productivity and reducing the cost of risk through professional expertise, technology and data analytics. As a Crawford Company, Broadspire is based in Atlanta, Ga., with 85 locations throughout the United States. Services are offered by Crawford & Company under the Broadspire brand in Europe (www.Broadspire.eu), including the United Kingdom (www.BroadspireTPA.co.uk).

About Crawford

Based in Atlanta, Ga., Crawford & Company (www.crawfordandcompany.com) is the world's largest independent provider of claims management solutions to the risk management and insurance industry as well as self-insured entities, with an expansive global network serving clients in more than 70 countries. The Crawford System of Claims Solutions(SM) offers comprehensive, integrated claims services, business process outsourcing and consulting services for major product lines including property and casualty claims management, workers compensation claims and medical management, and legal settlement administration. The Company's shares are traded on the NYSE under the symbols CRDA and CRDB.

SOURCE Crawford & Company