Notes on some of the goings on in the WC managed care world.
Concentra has laid off the IT staff in Minnesota (effective 3/31) responsible for maintaining both the “Advancer” case management system (acquired in the purchase of NHR) and the company’s “datamart”. Evidently Concentra is switching maintenance of the system to their Dallas IT staff, and will be transitioning to a flat file format for reporting purposes.
Tom Cox, an executive in the company’s network operations, will be leaving the company sometime this summer. Cox has been with the company and their predecessor organizations since the early nineties.
Coventry’s First Health continues their search for an executive to lead their WC business line. The position is located in Illinois, and the company is looking both within and outside the WC world.
One of the new boss’ first steps may well be to mend fences with the company’s larger clients. First Health has been known for their somewhat-heavy-handed approach to customer relations; while this had diminished over the latter part of 2004, recent indications are they are back to their old tricks. More than one customer has been ‘surprised’ by First Health’s recent demands or inflexibility in contract re-negotiations, systems enhancements, or customer-specific requirements.
The company recently landed Fireman’s Fund as a network and bill review client. FFIC left Fair Isaac after a somewhat troubled relationship.
Mar
11
