Rising Medical Solutions Announces Direction for 2016 Work Comp Benchmark Study

From a talent landscape metamorphosis, to a shift in focus from conventional process management to outcomes management, to transformative technology trends, to a migration towards value-driven healthcare, today's dynamic workers' comp environment can make problem solving a moving target – not the least of which is determining which challenges to address with often limited resources. Which opportunities will have the most positive impact and ROI? What are some best practices for capitalizing on those opportunities? Is there practical research to support these strategic decisions?

Building on prior years' research with over 700 claims leaders, these are questions the 2016 Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study seeks to answer as the program continues to evolve. In 2015, the study drew upon focus group research with Industry Executives as they related the 2013/14 survey responses to their strategic visions for advancing claims management in the industry. Instead of returning to the 70-question survey from 2013/14, which quantified a wide range of operational challenges, the program will continue to cover new ground.

The 2016 study will utilize a targeted survey with claims leaders that probes deeper into a handful of key operational issues/strategies highlighted in the 2015 report. This will provide greater insights into a sharp set of issues, allowing Rising Medical Solutions' 2016 study to more fully engage in practical problem solving that will most impact claims management today.      

"This year's study focus follows a natural evolution," says Jason Beans, Rising Medical Solutions CEO. "We've pinpointed widespread claims challenges, outlined high-level strategies for overcoming them, and now we're looking to provide practical steps to successfully implement those strategies."

The study's direction continues to be guided by its expert Advisory Council and driven by a collaborative investigation with claims organizations. "The study program has always focused on conducting research for, and with, claims leaders so it stays grounded in useful application," says Rachel Fikes, VP and Study Program Director at Rising Medical Solutions. "Increasingly, we're being pointed towards action-based research and progressive problem solving that reflect the needs of the claims community."

The 2016 Report is expected to be published in the fourth quarter. As in prior years, the 2016 Report will be available to all without cost or obligation as a contribution to the workers' compensation industry. It may be pre-ordered here.

About the Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study
The Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study is a national research program examining the complex forces that impact claims management in workers' compensation today. The study's mission is to advance claims management in the industry by providing both quantitative and qualitative research. Through surveys and interviews with claims leaders nationwide, the program generates actionable data for claims organizations to evaluate priorities, challenges, and strategies amongst their peers. Conceived and directed by Rising Medical Solutions, the ongoing program is a collaboration of industry executives representing diverse organizational perspectives, including the Study's Principal Researcher and Advisory Council:

• Gale Vogler, Director, Managed Care | Acuity Insurance
• Denise Algire, Director Managed Care & Disability | Albertsons Safeway, Inc.
• Raymond Jacobsen, Senior Managing Director | AON Benfield
• Rich Cangiolosi, Vice President, Western Region | CCMSI
• Pamela Highsmith-Johnson, RN, BSN, CCM, Director, Case Management | CNA
• Cathy Vines, Director, Healthcare Cost Containment Strategy | CopperPoint Mutual Insurance
• Daniel T. Holden, Manager, Corporate Risk & Insurance | Daimler Trucks North America LLC
• Kelly Kuri, Claims Manager | Frank Winston Crum Insurance
• Srivatsan (Sri) Sridharan, Senior Vice President, Workers' Compensation Product Management | Gallagher Bassett
• Marcos Iglesias MD, Vice President, Medical Director | The Hartford
• James Masingill, Vice President, Claim Operations | Markel FirstComp Insurance
• Tom Stark, Technical Director, Workers' Compensation | Nationwide Insurance
• Tom McCauley, Owner & Consultant | Networks by Design
• David Price, President | POMCO Risk Management
• Laura Crowe, Risk Management Director | Presbyterian Healthcare Services
• Mark Walls, Vice President of Communications & Strategic Analysis | Safety National
• Darrell Brown, Chief Claims Officer | Sedgwick
• John Smolk, Principal Manager, Workers' Compensation | Southern California Edison
• Joe McLaughlin, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing | TRISTAR Insurance Group
• Linda Butler, Manager, Workers' Compensation | Walt Disney World Resort
• Kyle Cato, Workers' Compensation & Safety Manager | Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
• Tim Mondon, Senior Vice President, Bill Review | Zenith Insurance

About Rising Medical Solutions
Rising Medical Solutions is a national medical-financial solutions firm that provides medical cost containment and medical care management services to the workers' compensation, auto, liability and group health markets.

Media Contact: Rachel Fikes, VP & Study Program Director: [email protected] / 312.224.5893

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SOURCE Rising Medical Solutions