Insight, analysis & opinion from Joe Paduda
Workers’ comp net written premiums for funds and insurers were up substantially – 6 percent – over 2013, making for the 4th consecutive year of premium growth. Meanwhile, the combined ratio for private carriers improved as well – down 4 … Continue reading First up at NCCI – Work comp is looking better…
Read More...Dr Rebecca Yang discussed the correlation of fee schedules and associated physician billing activity. Key takeaways There’s somewhat of a correlation between low office visit reimbursement rates and higher incidence of physician dispensing. evidence from CA indicates that when th … Continue reading Lower fee schedules, increase costs?
Read More...Before jumping into my predictions for 2015, I thought it would be helpful to review my previous prognostications. Here’s how I did, color-coded for your grading ease: 1. Overall, the work comp insurance market will be steady. Yep; rates were … Continue reading 2014’s predictions; how’d I do?
Read More...Before I make my annual predictions for the coming year, I decided to find out what other experts are saying and what external factors may drive the industry. Here’s a quick summary. Work comp combined ratios will continue to improve as … Continue reading Work comp in 2015 – predictions from around the web
Read More...While it may not be closed, the deal is done. Multiple sources indicated APAX is scheduled to close the purchase of Coventry Workers’ Comp a month from now. The long-rumored sale will close October 1 – if everything goes according … Continue reading Aetna’s sale of Coventry – the deal is done
Read More...NCCI’s just-published assessment of work comp trends has a wealth of information, much of it well worth contemplation by anyone in the industry. Here are a few takeaways that jumped out at me. Overall the current state of the market … Continue reading Workers’ comp – the near-term outlook
Read More...Summer is in full swing, which means the A/C is running at full blast in Florida and Texas, while those of us in upstate NY are gloating…I know, you will be soon when we’re subzero and you’re at 70… Things … Continue reading Monday catch-up
Read More...Like everyone else, I was in a hurry to get stuff wrapped up last week and neglected more than a couple important news items. Here’s a quick update… Two California counties are suing opioid manufacturers Purdue, Cephalon, Endo, Teva, Johnson&Johnson, and Activis … Continue reading Post-Memorial Day catch up
Read More...There is NO reason, no rationale, no logic behind docs dispensing drugs to workers comp claimants. Proponents claim it is better care, leading to speedier recovery and lower costs. We long suspected the opposite is true; that is, claimants … Continue reading Yet more evidence doc dispensing is a disaster
Read More...The always-entertaining and enlightening Bob Hartwig of the Insurance Information Institute was next on the podium – he violates a bunch of “presenting rules” (chiefly talking really fast) and is thereby proof that you can be a very good and … Continue reading Bob Hartwig – drinking from the firehose
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