Rising Medical Solutions Announces New Focus for 2015 Workers' Comp Benchmark Study

CHICAGO, June 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- For the past two years, June marked the Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study's national survey of claims leaders, which provided the industry with quantitative benchmarks on 70-plus data points. This year brings a new approach to Rising Medical Solutions' study program – qualitative research and the publication of an industry Insights Report that will focus on priorities and practical strategies for claims management advancement.   

The decision, made with the study's expert Advisory Council, was based on resounding feedback from claims professionals who have asked exactly how to overcome the widely-faced operational challenges identified in the 2013/14 studies. These challenges include addressing the rapidly shrinking talent pool, grappling with emerging technology trends, and operationalizing claims and medical performance measures — not to mention improving productivity and reducing costs.

"We're encouraged that the studies have sparked some thought-provoking discussion and that many in the industry want to take that discussion a step further into action and advancement," says Jason Beans, CEO of Rising Medical Solutions (Rising).

In response, the study program will draw upon collaborations and interviews with claims leaders conducted throughout 2015 to determine what advancements will make the greatest impact, and generate tangible action steps for getting there.  

The outcome will be an Insights Report focusing on potent and realistic claims operational strategies that may be considered by payer organizations over the next two to three years. These strategies will include guidance in four key areas of claims management: prioritizing core competencies, talent retention and development, technology and data, and medical performance management.

"Moving the study's mission forward, from quantifying industry challenges to recommending practical solutions, just makes sense for the program and the industry," says Rachel Fikes, Vice President and Study Program Director at Rising.  "We are grateful to those claims leaders who are lending their time and expertise towards this qualitative initiative."

The 2015 Insights Report is expected to be published in the fall. Like prior study Reports, the 2015 Report will be available to all without cost or obligation as a contribution to the workers' compensation community.  It may be pre-ordered here.

About the Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study
The Workers' Compensation Benchmarking Study is a national research program conceived and commissioned by Rising Medical Solutions. 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. The ongoing program is a collaboration of industry executives representing diverse organizational perspectives, including the Study's Principal Researcher and Advisory Council:

• Raymond Jacobsen, Senior Managing Director | AON Benfield
• Gale Vogler, Director, Managed Care | Acuity Insurance
• Leann Farlander, Cost Containment Director | Athens Administrators
• Fred Boothe, Vice President of Claims Services | BrickStreet Insurance
• Rich Cangiolosi, Vice President, Western Region| CCMSI
• Cathy Vines, Director, Healthcare Cost Containment Strategy | CopperPoint Mutual Insurance
• Kelly Kuri, Vice President, Workers' Compensation Claims| Lumbermen's Underwriting Alliance
• Laura Crowe, Risk Management Director | Presbyterian Healthcare Services
• James Masingill, Vice President, Claim Operations |Markel Insurance
• Barbara Spain, Senior Counsel, Workforce Management Practice Group | McDonald's Corporation
• Tom Stark, Technical Director, Workers' Compensation | Nationwide Insurance
• Tom McCauley, Owner & Consultant | Networks by Design
• David Price, Vice President Risk Management | POMCO Group
• Mark Walls, Vice President of Communications & Strategic Analysis | Safety National
• Denise Algire, Director Managed Care & Disability | Safeway, Inc.
• John Smolk, Principal Manager, Workers' Compensation | Southern California Edison
• Joe McLaughlin, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing |TRISTAR Insurance Group
• Kyle Cato, Workers' Compensation & Safety Manager| Williams-Sonoma, Inc.
• Tim Mondon, Senior Vice President, Bill Review | Zenith Insurance
• Peter McCarron, Senior Vice President, Workers' Compensation Claims | Zurich North America

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

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