Overview:
From intake, case management, billing, collections, negotiations to preparing the cases for hearings and trials. Training will include any and all processes and workflows that practices have to follow or implement. The entire process plays a role in the outcome of the case at court.
 
Attendees will learn how to properly assess and qualify cases before sending them to the hearing representative. Many times, the value is depleted by the numerous negotiation attempts and board appearances. Training will also include the various systems used to track cases, and perspectives of the medical practice.

Discussion:
- Reporting and Treatment Costs
- UR / IMR
- MPN Disputes and Liability
- Early Lien Negotiation and Settlement
- Settlement Documents
- Lien Proceedings
- Discovery
- Document Service
- DOR
- Trial
- Exhibits
- Conference
- Medical / Legal
- Determination of Necessity
- Reimbursement Calculation
- IBR
- Bill Review Reports
- Court Decorum

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:
This online course prepares medical treaters to pass the Qualified Medical Evaluator Competency Exam. The exam is administered by the Division of Workers' Compensation. This material will include a survey of changes in the law governing QMEs who evaluate California injured workers as of Jan. 1, 2013. Therefore, QMEs in the system may want to consider this course for the SB 863 updates.


Becoming a QME
A Physician who desires to conduct examinations as a QME must meet certain requirements specified by the Medical Unit of the Division of Workers' Compensation. A QME is required to take a comprehensive written examination, and also he must complete a 12 hour course in report writing. The examination is given twice a year, in October and in April.

DWC Website:
Registration and Information for QME Exams:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/MedicalUnit/QME_page.html
 

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

WorkCompCentral has partnered with Sue Honor to develop a fresh and comprehensive training series that meets state requirements for workers' compensation bill review. Sue is the former manager of the California DWC Medical Unit.

Whether you are a California-based bill review company or out of state, California Code of Regulations mandates this level of training to process medical bills for injured workers.


Curriculum Includes:
- Coding and Fee Basics
- Workers' Compensation Overview
- Utilization Review (UR)
- Medical Provider Networks (MPN)
- Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS)
- Independent Medical Review (IMR)
- Medical Billing Standards
- Electronic Billing
- Anatomy
- Medical Reporting
- Independent Bill Review (IBR) and Non-IBR Disputes
- Advanced Coding: CPT, HCPCS, ICD-9 and 10, DRG, APC, NDC
- Physician's Services (pre-2014)
- Physician's Services (effective 2014)
- Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS)
- Clinical Laboratory and DMEPOS
- Pharmacy
- Inpatient and Outpatient Facilities
- Medical-Legal Fee Schedule
- Anesthesia and Ambulance Services
- Copy Service Fee Schedule
- Interpreter Fees
- ICD-10

Who Should Enroll:
California Workers' Comp Claims Adjusters, Medical-Only Adjusters, Paralegals, Billing and Collection Agents, Medical Offices, Law Firms, Self-Insureds, Program Manager or Claims Consultants. Attorneys may earn 40 CE hours toward licensure with the California Bar by enrolling and completing the training.
 

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Vital Topics:
- What is an Injury? Is the Injury Industrial?
- Traps for the Unwary in the UR and IMR Regulations
- An In-Depth Exploration of the New MTUS Regs Effective 4/20/2015

Bonus:
A Special Added Presentation of "Medical Information Every Lawyer and Judge Should Know"

Overview:
- What is an injury?
- Is the injury industrial?
- How are MT options determined?
- Facing the challenges of meeting obscure regulation requirements and deadlines
- An indepth exploration of the New MTUS regs effective 4/20/2015
- What are the sole two instances when MT requests may be authorized based on standards other than the MTUS?
- When is the presumption of correctness of the MTUS rebutted?
- What is the hierarchy of evidence and how should it be applied?
- How to secure medical reports and depositions that constitutes substantial evidence
- Case studies under the UR and IMR process. What works and what needs to be improved?
- Traps for the unwary in the UR and IMR regulations

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:
Musculoskeletal injuries constitute the majority of industrial claims. Claims professionals will review many medical reports written by physicians who report their findings as they treat and evaluate injured workers. This course will give you the medical framework required to properly understand these reports.

The instructors are three physicians from the Parthenia Medical Group who have experience examining and treating industrial claims. Michael J. Sachs, D.O, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Western University will discuss Medical Imaging and a second topic, Knee Anatomy, Injuries and Treatment. Bruce Hector, M.D. will present the subject of Spine Anatomy, Injuries and Treatment. Thomas Hascall, M.D. presents the topics of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Anatomy and Treatment and also Shoulder Anatomy, Injuries and Treatment.

10 C.C.R 2592.03(a) Adjuster Topics Covered:
17. Medical Terminology
19. Medical Evidence

10 C.C.R 2592.04 Bill Reviewer Topics Covered:
5. Medical Terminology
7. Medical Evidence

Overview:

The claims professional is the decision maker with respect to compensability of any claimed injury, and with respect to the benefits that are to be voluntarily paid. These decisions will be based in part upon the results of a claim investigation. Most claims department professionals will be involved in some manner with this process, either investigating the claim themselves, or referring the matter out to private outside investigators are the appropriate time. The investigation becomes the centerpiece of claim activity and the legacy you will leave in your file. This course will help you learn how to properly investigate a claim of industrial injury.

10 C.C.R 2592.03(a) Adjuster Topics Covered:
15. Investigation
16. Fraud

10 C.C.R 2592.04 Bill Reviewer Topics Covered:
4. Fraud

Mandatory Completion Time:
The allotted time for completing this entire course is 6 weeks. Please monitor your time to complete the course and materials within this assigned time frame.

Overview:

Presented by Suzanne Honor-Vangerov, Esq, CPC, CPC-I, CMSP, and co-instructed by Gladys Ross, CPC, CCS-P, ACS-EM.

Training includes a bonus free pre-requisite Basics online course. Emphasis will be placed on coding for particular medical specialties, body systems and types of injury or illness.

Main topics include ICD-10, Documentation, Procedure Coding. The course will use real live case studies as examples. The presentation will teach you how to improve the bottom line with ICD-10 reporting and proper documentation.

ICD-10 regulations have been posted online here:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/DWCPropRegs/ICD-10/ICD-10.htm

Discussion:
- Eye
- Ear
- Skin
- Subcutaneous Tissue
- Nervous System
- Digestive System
- Circulatory System
- Respiratory System
- Genitourinary System
- Musculoskeletal System
- Blood Diseases
- Infectious Diseases
- Neoplasms (Cancer)
- Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases
- Injury: Poisoning and External Causes
- Symptoms, Signs and Abnormal Findings
- Mental, Behavioral and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Credits: 
This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:

First Responders experience daily exposure to traumatic events that, over months and years, accumulate and are known to result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, traumatic brain injury, substance abuse, chronic pain, and insomnia. Although they spend their careers helping others, this group of workers are often reluctant to ask for help and when they do, their conditions are often not well understood.

 

This session highlights the successes of a unique partnership between City of San Diego and Institutes of Health, a company specializing in the delivery of biopsychosocial care. Panelists will underscore the importance of your role as a partner in public safety by enhancing your understanding about the inherent risks to public safety personnel, current vulnerabilities they face, and learning about best evidence-based practices that allow for improving clinical outcomes and accelerating MMI. 

 

Our expert panel includes important perspectives from risk management, law enforcement, fire-rescue, as well as medical perspectives. They will discuss the essential components of public safety wellness programs and evidenced-based treatment protocols for first responders that can support career longevity, overall improvement in the quality of life and an overall decrease in the cost of claims.
 

Program Learning Objectives:

 

Overview:

This presentation aims to explain the concept and importance of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in managing workplace injuries. Troy Prevot, Director of Strategic Solutions from ODG by MCG, will cover how EBM is defined, and how evidence is categorized into a hierarchy that’s helpful in critical appraisal.

Mr. Prevot will explore the benefits and challenges and how capturing evidence into a clinical practice guideline allows for easier discovery and application. The presentation will end with an overview of additional tools and analytics that are incorporated into workers’ compensation, disability, and auto injury scenarios.
 

Program Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the role and significance of evidence-based medicine in managing workplace injuries

2. Compare the relative value of different types of evidence through critical appraisal

3. Describe how evidence-based medicine can be applied to critical appraisal through the use of clinical practice guidelines
 

Instructor:

Troy J. Prevot, MBA, PA-C, ATC - Director of Strategic Solutions at ODG by MCG

 

Overview:

Overview:

A catastrophic claim does not happen often, thank goodness; it accounts for less than 1% of all the WC claims. But when it happens, it takes only one case to break your bank account, which could potentially cause an employer to lose their business or spend millions in direct and indirect medical costs, disability benefits, and lifetime care management. This session will examine some of the complexity of managing a catastrophic claim and its impact and review specific considerations with some of the common catastrophic injuries.

Course Relevance:

Early recognition and provision of care are critical in the claims management process when a catastrophic injury occurs. A great deal of volatility is involved depending on the type and severity of the injury, duration of treatment, degree of recovery, and other factors such as inflation, future medical advances, and potential secondary complications. Attendees will gain greater insight into the intricate management of a catastrophic claim and recognize its impact on all stakeholders involved. Attendees will also benefit from recognizing some of the unique concerns of the various injuries and the added value in catastrophic case management services to claims management. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the various definitions of catastrophic injuries.
2. Recognize claims and employer implications when managing a CAT claim.
3. Recognize the value of catastrophic case management and its process.
4. Discuss specific injuries and unique claims management considerations.

Instructor:

Angie Jung, RN, BSN, CRRN, CCM

Overview:
The California non-attorney Hearing Representative and Lien Representative is required to know how to prepare for and litigate a workers’ compensation case or lien claim before a WCAB Judge. This engaging, six hour seminar will instruct Hearing Reps and Lien Reps in the fundamentals about a work comp claim - from injury to opening a case, pre-trial issues, mandatory settlement conferences, and settlement of cases.

Discussion:
- Hiring, training and duties of the Hearing Rep
- Prosecuting and defending a work comp case from beginning to end
- Ethics of the Applicant and Applicant Hearing Rep
- Intake and laying the case foundation
- Communicating with the applicant: health, job, ability to return to work
- EAMS and document preparation
- Client income, temporary disability, and child support issues
- Use of exhibits and identifying and limiting exhibitions
- Professionalism and preparedness
- Dealing with treatment issues and the MPN
- Walkthroughs
- Good faith effort to solve liens
- Dealing with opposing Hearing Reps
- Initial file defense and review; creating a case game plan
- Letters to clients
- Accepted injury; disputed body parts
- Treating out of the MPN
- Settlements and board negotiations
- Adequacy issues
- Subpoenas, medical reports, and medical records
- Preparing for the Mandatory Settlement Conference
- Trial do’s and dont’s
- Stips and issues and discovery
- MMI - Maximum Medical Improvement
- Discrimination against work comp filers
- Supplemental job displacement benefits/vouchers; social security disability; permanent disability, whole person impairment

Credits: 
This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

FALL SPECIAL - CROSS X TRAINING SERIES
Enroll in the series of three, for one price of $129:

https://www.workcompcentral.com/education/course/course_pk/1010
https://www.workcompcentral.com/education/course/course_pk/994
https://www.workcompcentral.com/education/course/course_pk/971

Call 805-484-0333x133 to receive this special offer.


Overview:

This training is Part 1 to the June 17 seminar in Glendale, "Advanced Skills for Cross Examining Psychs," located HERE.

We have put together two masters in cross-examination and medicine for a half day seminar in which the attendees are sure to learn new and very practical information. The seminar is geared to be objective and is meant for both physicians as well as applicant and defense attorneys. 

Attorney Brad Wixen is known across the state specializing entirely in medical cross-examination. Likewise, Dr. Steven Feinberg is one of the most knowledgeable and simultaneously articulate physicians in the system.

Be sure to take the opportunity to hear these two speakers discuss the gamut of issues from questions asked by attorneys in initial letters and for supplemental reports, physician report writing, and for both the attorney and the doctor, how to best prepare for and engage in deposition cross-examination testimony.

The speakers will also provide information regarding how to ask and respond to questions regarding soft tissue injuries and chronic pain conditions when the objective findings do not match up with the disability and activity of daily living. The speakers will discuss malingering, symptom magnification and issues of credibility.

Discussion:
- Questions asked by attorneys in initial letters and for supplemental reports
- Physician report writing
- How to best prepare for and engage in deposition cross-examination testimony
- How to ask and respond to questions
- Malingering, symptom magnification and issues of credibility
- Learn more about how to look at an MRI other than to note the size of a disk
- Learn about radiculopathy - often key to any injury case
- Understand the gamut of pain disorders - important when looking at a soft tissue claim with residual chronic pain  
- Understanding the medicine and the questions to ask
- Soft tissue and it's ramifications

Credits: 
This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:

Institutes of Health is proud to present a 2-part webinar series to help raise awareness of PTSD in conjunction with PTSD Awareness Month during the month of June. In Part 1, our educational webinar aims to deepen the understanding of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among workers' compensation professionals, highlighting the unique challenges faced by first responders. PTSD, a critical issue within this demographic due to their high-risk occupations, manifests uniquely and requires specialized knowledge to manage effectively within the workers' compensation framework.

Led by a diverse panel of experts, including Deanna Dotta, Alcohol and Substance Abuse Program Coordinator with San Diego Police, Dr. Ramsey Ali, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and PTSD Clinical Lead at Institutes of Health, Sarah Creighton, a retired assistant police chief now Director of Law Enforcement Services at Institutes of Health, and Paul Alvernaz, Retired Fire Captain with San Diego Fire, the webinar will begin by explaining what PTSD is and its variations such as PTS and complex PTSD. It will emphasize the clinical and behavioral signs that stakeholders need to recognize.

The panel will kick off with a comprehensive 10-15 minute exploration into the definition of PTSD and its variations, shedding light on differentiating between PTSD and stress/anxiety issues. Moreover, we will address the pervasive stigma surrounding PTSD, particularly in first responder communities, where fear of job loss often deters individuals from seeking timely treatment, leading to significant delays and exacerbation of symptoms. Drawing from their rich expertise and lived experiences, our esteemed panelists will provide invaluable insights during this crucial discussion.

Next, the panel will transition into an in-depth examination of the key issues related to PTSD for First Responders, meticulously identified to raise awareness and foster understanding within the workers' compensation community. These key issues encapsulate the myriad challenges faced by first responders grappling with PTSD, ranging from legal intricacies and regulatory frameworks to the impact on workplace functioning, family dynamics, and long-term support needs.
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Define PTSD and Its Variations:
   • Gain a clear understanding of PTSD, its variations, and the distinctive characteristics that differentiate it from stress and anxiety disorders.
2. Address Stigma and Reporting Barriers:
   • Explore the pervasive stigma surrounding PTSD, especially in first responder contexts, and understand the barriers that impede individuals from seeking timely treatment due to fear of job repercussions.
3. Examine Perspectives and Experiences:
   • Hear from our panel of experts as they share their unique perspectives and lived experiences, providing valuable insights into the realities of PTSD within the first responder community.
4. Identify Key Issues Related to PTSD:
   • Delve into the key issues related to PTSD for first responders, including legal considerations, comorbidities, workplace impacts, and long-term support needs.
5. Raise Awareness and Foster Understanding:
   • Increase awareness and understanding within the workers' compensation community regarding the complexities and challenges associated with PTSD among first responders, ultimately fostering a more supportive and informed approach to addressing these critical issues.

Instructors:

Yvonne Guibert (Moderator) - VP, Education Strategy - Institutes of Health
Deanna Dotta - Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program Coordinator - San Diego Police
Sarah Creighton - Retired Assistant Police Chief, San Diego Police - Institutes of Health
Dr. Ramsey Ali - Clinical Psychologist / PTSD Clinical Lead - Institutes of Health
Paul Alvernaz - Retired Fire Captain - San Diego Fire

Overview:

This training is Part 2 to, "Cross Examining Medical Professionals," located HERE.

Please join Brad Wixen, expert in cross-examination, and Mark Levine PhD, QME/AME psychologist and neuropsychologist, for this special opportunity.

This is an advanced hands-on half day seminar on cross examination of the psychologist and psychiatrist. Those attending will be guaranteed useful information to take away. The educational material will be informative, objective, and useful for both parties of a claim.

Understand the most common psychological testing techniques and what they really mean. Learn where to look for evidence concerning credibility. Learn how to apply this understanding to cross-examination of the doctor useful for either side of the aisle.

This will be an in-depth analysis of several cutting-edge legal issues unique to psychology in today’s Worker’s Compensation world. Topics will include “pass-through apportionment”, what are the rules for psychologically induced impairment in other specialties, apportionment to risk factors, and Almaraz Guzman as it applies to psychology.

Included is an overview of pain disorders, how to rate them, and whether there is a neurologic crossover.

Discussion:
- How to tell if the testing justifies the conclusions
- Where does one look for evidence of pre-existing pathology?
- Is apportionment to personality factors legal?
- What is a pain disorder and how should it be rated?
- How can I look at the MMPI and understand better what the results really are? 
- How can a psychologist make findings about credibility?
- What is the relationship between pain and neurology?
- What is a catastrophic injury?
- What makes a psych injury catastrophic?

Credits: 
This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:
This all day program is devoted to legal and medical-legal issues that defense attorneys are confronted with in every day practice.

Discussion:
- Cross Examining Medical Professionals
- Cumulative Trauma Litigation
- How to communicate with medical professionals including treating, AME, and PQME physicians
- When and how to write advocacy letters
- How to cross-examine a physician – to rehab or to reject?
- Things about workers’ comp that doctors do not understand
- What is a rating string?
- Case outcomes
- Causation of injury vs. causation of disability
- Apportionment
- When to apply and when not to apply Almaraz-Guzman
- Ex-parte communications with physicians and the scope of Labor Code Section 4062.3
- How to defend against a cumulative trauma claim
- What is “injurious exposure” anyway?
- What can you do when you are at the business end of a Petition for Contribution?
- Questions and Answers

Credits: 
This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:

In this webinar, panelists delve into the unique challenges faced by first responders battling Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within the workers' compensation system. From understanding the nuances of PTSD distinctions to the vital need for early intervention for first responders with these injuries, we'll explore the critical need for tailored care for these brave individuals serving and protecting our communities. Learn the value of intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) and their transformative impact on reducing disability levels. Discover strategies for streamlining treatment processes and ensuring timely access to essential care. Discover how gold standard IOPs not only lead to better outcomes but also can reduce healthcare costs and utilization. We'll also get insights from City of San Diego’s outcomes, looking at the remarkable outcomes they have achieved over the past decade. Join us for this informative webinar to better understand and advocate for men and women who courageously serve on the front lines.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the distinction between PTSD and complex PTSD, particularly as it pertains to the unique experiences of first responders.
2. Identify the challenges and limitations within the workers' compensation system that hinder effective diagnosis and treatment of PTSD among first responders.
3. Explore the benefits of early intervention, particularly the significance of intensive outpatient programs (IOPs), in mitigating disability and facilitating successful return-to-work outcomes.
4. Gain insight into the importance of accurate diagnosis and treatment differentiation between stress-related claims and genuine PTSD cases.
5. Learn practical strategies for streamlining treatment processes, avoiding delays or denials of care, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders to better support first responders navigating PTSD in the workers' compensation system.

Instructors:

Yvonne Guibert (Moderator) - VP of Education Strategy, Institutes of Health
Joseph Sousa - Workers' Compensation Program Manager, City of San Diego
Dr. Kimberely Tilley, PsyD - VP of Clinical Administration, Institutes of Health
Michael Branch - Director of the First Responder Clinic, Institutes of Health
Deanna Dotta - Alcohol & Substance Abuse Program Coordinator, San Diego PD

Overview:

The WCAB has repeatedly made it clear that a lien claimant has the burden to prove all the necessary elements before it may recover anything in connection with its lien. A lien claimant now stands in the shoes of the injured worker with respect to all those responsibilities. As a result of this and amended Board Rules, lien litigation now mandates that lien representatives change their business model away from merely being collection agents.
 
In addition, while medical-legal providers may no longer be considered lien claimants and are exempted from paying filing fees, they now must face new and difficult logistical challenges related to getting their bills paid by defendants.

Discussion:
- When to file a lien and when to file a petition for costs
- Which liens are exempted from the $150.00 filing fee
- How to properly notify the WCAB of who represents the lien claimant
- Issues related to statute of limitations for filing of liens
- Issues related to licensing, accreditation and fictitious name permit for lien claimant
- Issues related to assignment of lien claimant’s right to collect
- Issues related to non-physician lien claimant’s restrictions on access to medical information
- How to ensure that the medical evidence from the lien claimant establishes both injury AOE/COE and reasonableness of the medical treatment
- Issues related to home health care liens
- How to ensure that the lien claimant can meet its burden of establishing the reasonableness of the medical charges
- How Labor Code § 5811 can be used to pay for litigation costs incurred in lien collection
- How and when to request independent bill review
- How to establish reasonableness of charges not subject to the Official Medical Fee Schedule
- How to assess and calculate penalties and interest owed to the lien claimant for unreasonably delayed payment to the lien claimant
- Issues relating to lien procedures and duty to attend lien conferences and lien trials
- Issues relating to dismissal of liens for failure to prosecute
- Issues relating to sanctions

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:
Hon. David L. Pollak
Van Nuys Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge
Hon. Myrle Petty
San Bernardino Workers’ Compensation Administrative Law Judge
Hon. Eileen O'Kane
Los Angeles Workers' Compensation Administrative Law Judge
Theodore Durden
Hearing Representative for Durden & Associates
Steve Hoffman
Hearing Representative

Overview:

Join HIRMA/WorkCompCentral for a one-hour webinar as we explore the Summer 2024 Legislative Outlook in Workers Compensation. This webinar aims to provide participants with a understanding of the legislative changes and trends that will shape the workers' compensation landscape during the summer of 2024.

Learning Overview:

• Current State of Workers Compensation
• Legislative Changes and Proposals
• Explore the upcoming legislative changes and proposals affecting workers' compensation.
• Analyze the potential impact of these changes on various stakeholders.
• Discuss the rationale behind these proposed changes and their potential benefits or drawbacks.
• Summer 2024 Outlook in Workers Compensation
• Examine the specific outlook for workers' compensation during the summer of 2024.
• Discuss anticipated trends, challenges, and opportunities in the industry.
• Highlight key factors that will shape the workers' compensation landscape during this period.
• Q&A Session

Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights into the Summer 2024 Legislative Outlook and what the summer holds for workers' compensation. Register now to secure your spot and stay informed about the upcoming changes and trends in the industry.

Instructors:

Kristen Chavez (Moderator) - Gallagher Bassett
Hon. Clint Feddersen - Van Nuys WCAB
Amanda Deering White - Invictus Law
Michael McKernan - Murphy, Beane, & McKernan
Michael Simmons, ARM, RIMS-CRMP - WKS Restaurant Group

Overview:
Join us for this half-day event on trial techniques and skills, covering the entirety of a trial from discovery to decision. The expert panel of instructors will discuss the most vital topics, including medical necessity, medical treatment, body parts, issues with doctors' depositions, plus stipulations and issues matters including detailed discussions on the binding agreement.

Discussion:
Applicants Deposition
   - Timing
   - Purpose
Employers Deposition
Cross Exam of Doctor by Deposition
   - Admonition and waiver
Collection of Records
   - ISO report
   - Prior claims
   - Employment application
   - Prior employment records
Service of Documents
   - Medical reports
   - Records
   - Sub-Rosa
Mandatory Settlement Conference
   - Be ready to try your case at MSC
Trial
   - How to attach and defend a medical report

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:

This webinar aims to provide workers’ compensation stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chronicity in chronic pain conditions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) injuries through the lens of the biopsychosocial model. Participants will gain a better understanding of chronicity, its impact on recovery, and how it affects these complex conditions and prolongs disability. The discussion will highlight the importance of viewing and treating these conditions as chronic rather than acute/subacute issues and integrating evidence-based biopsychosocial approaches in treatment to achieve better outcomes within the workers’ compensation system. 
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Define chronicity and its characteristics, including how it impacts the disease course and prolongs medical dependence.
2. Understand the statistical prevalence of chronic issues related to chronic pain, mild to moderate TBIs and PTSD.
3. Explain the biopsychosocial model and its application in chronic health conditions.
4. Recognize how chronicity interferes with recovery and impacts the long-term management of these conditions.
5. Identify key elements of successful treatment, emphasizing resiliency, self-efficacy, and self-management.

Overview:

In a series of hypothetical case studies, this program will reveal the inner workings of the claims handling and litigation process through a didactic dialogue from an attorney's intake of the injured worker, to the referral and investigation by the attorneys for the insurance carrier and/or employer, through the trial process, and finally ending with the appellate process. The program is intended to be a discussion of hypothetical case studies in workers’ compensation. The injured workers, employers and insurance companies will be fictitious and the discussions will focus on general handling of workers’ compensation claims from intake to the appellate process and conversations between the respective people within the process.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss denied post-termination cumulative trauma claims for both applicant and employers
• Critique admitted claim of injury self-procured treatment issues, penalties for untimely delay, settlement issues for catastrophic claims, and client control for both applicant and claims

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:
     
Hon. David Pollak (moderator)
Robert G. Rassp (moderator)
Alan Gurvey, Esq., Applicant Attorney
Keith More, Esq., Applicant Attorney
Elisha Landman, Esq., Defendant Attorney
David Speyer, Esq., Defendant Attorney
Debra Tobias, Esq., Defendant Attorney
Wendy Humphrey from AIG Claims Services, Inc., Claims Administrator
Karen Nash from Big 5 Sporting Goods, Employer
Dawn Watkins from the Los Angeles Unified School District, Employer
Hon. Colleen Casey, WCJ/Commissioner
Theodore Durden, Lien Representative
Rosanne Wong, Esq. from L.A. County MTA, WC Division, General Counsel



Training Preparation:

In order to better understand the unusual structure and nature of the program, please watch the following youtube.com video (Ethics in America from Annenberg Media) that provides an accurate representation of how our program will be presented: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OImmf345d0

Recommended Training Schedule Chronology
- Workers’ Compensation Basics: History, Terms, and Benefits (6 CE’s)
- Introduction to the California Workers’ Compensation System (6 CE’s)
- Understanding the AMA Guides: Back to Basics (6 CE’s)
- WCAB Medical and Legal Process Forms (6 CE’s)
- Medical Information Every Lawyer and Judge Should Know (6 CE’s)
- For What It’s Worth: How to Rate and Value Your Case (6 CE’s)
- Liens: Where Are We Now? (6 CE’s)
- Hearing Rep Litigation and Case Management Skills (6 CE’s)

Course Description:

• The prevalence of and current gap in chronic back pain (CBP) management, its impact on Injured Workers and the management of Workers’ Compensation claims.

• Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising alternative and complementary approach to traditional pain management methods.

• Illustration of the potential benefits of VR therapy for CBP management through review of an FDA-authorized VR treatment.

Overview:

This is our second webinar in our 3-part series on chronicity within the workers’ compensation system, which explores the complex relationship between PTSD and its overlapping comorbid conditions. Chronicity adds layers of complexity to PTSD treatment, making recovery more challenging and requiring a comprehensive approach. Beyond persistent symptoms, PTSD often involves comorbidities like chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and physical disabilities, which complicate recovery.

Our panelists will discuss how these comorbidities prolong disability and reduce the effectiveness of traditional treatments. Participants will learn why a one-dimensional strategy is insufficient and how a biopsychosocial, transdisciplinary model better addresses the needs of patients with PTSD and associated conditions.

The discussion will highlight the prevalence of these comorbidities in high-risk groups like first responders and emphasize the importance of incorporating the patient’s perspective in treatment planning. We will also address the limitations of conventional biomedical models and offer practical steps for implementing holistic, patient-centered care strategies.

Our esteemed panel of experts is dedicated to advancing care for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) within the workers' compensation system. It includes Dr. Heechin Chae, Medical Director at Institutes of Health, who brings extensive experience in brain injury rehabilitation, having led major brain injury programs at Harvard and Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital. Dr. Gabe Dawson, a former paratrooper and elite athlete, now specializes in functional medicine and fiercely advocates for first responders struggling to receive adequate care. Dr. Lorimer Moseley, a globally recognized pain neuroscientist, is renowned for his groundbreaking work on pain and his widely acclaimed TEDx Talk, "Why Things Hurt." We also welcome a special guest speaker, Samantha Glovak, PhD, a clinical psychologist in the Comprehensive Pain Clinic at VA Puget Sound, American Lake Division. She specializes in trauma-informed, mindfulness-based, cognitive behavioral interventions for chronic pain, as well as evidence-based treatments for PTSD. 

With our expert panel, this webinar aims to challenge and inspire the industry to rethink and reshape how these complex conditions are approached, driving a shift toward more innovative, effective, and compassionate care in workers' compensation.
 

Learning Objectives:

1. Establish the high prevalence of comorbid conditions with PTSD.
2. Understand how indexed trauma can lead to PTSD, and how pain and physical injury complicate recovery.
3. Recognize the need for a broader scope in functional recovery and the limitations of a myopic view of symptoms and diagnosis.
4. Appreciate the importance of a transdisciplinary approach in addressing comorbidities and the patient's perspective of disability.
5. Compare and contrast biopsychosocial assessment and care planning with the traditional biomedical model.

Instructors:

Yvonne Guibert (Moderator) - VP Education Strategy - Institutes of Health
Dr. Gabe Dawson - Sr. VP Systems, Analytics, and Compliance - Institutes of Health
Dr. Heechin Chae, MD, FAAPMR, IFMCP, CLCP - Medical Director - Institutes of Health
Dr. Lorimer Mosely, DSc, PhD, FACP - Director of Pain Education - Institutes of Health
Samantha Glovak, PhD - Comprehensive Pain Clinic - VA Puget Sound

This program presents a panel of legal and medical experts discussing required protocols for writing the Causation and Apportionment sections of Medical Legal Reports. Instructors will enable students to clearly recognize whether the Causation and Apportionment sections of Med-Legal reports have been properly written and meet the requirements for substantial evidence.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate between causation of injury and causation of permanent disability
• Employ the required language for the causation of injury statement(s)
• Formulate and present opinions on causation and apportionment of permanent disability
• Discuss where the burden of proof lies and when it shifts
• Discuss differences between LC 4663 and 4664 and why they are both required when discussing causation and apportionment
• Apply the changes stemming from SB 863
• Read reports from other specialities which is important for QMEs and AMEs

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Marjorie Cohn, PhD, QME
Julie Armstrong, PsyD, QME
Gary Armstrong, PsyD, QME
Arthur Lipper, MD, QME
Elliot Berkowitz, Esq.
Raymond Correio, Esq.

Overview:
This training will address advanced permanent disability issues involving major orthopedic and non-orthopedic injuries. Instruction will also include a discussion of Almaraz-Guzman based alternative ratings and a case law review of controversial rating methods. The panel will also discuss major orthopedic rating methods, major non-orthopedic rating methods, Almaraz-Guzman and case law review of controversial rating topics.

Discussion:
- Robert McLaughlin
       Lesser-Known Facts About AMA Ratings
- Mark Kremer
       Advanced Disability Rating of Common Orthopedic Injuries
       Advanced Disability Rating of Common Non-Orthopedic Injuries
- Brenna Hampton
       Law of Almaraz-Guzman
- Judge Linda Atcherly
       Rating from the Judge’s Perspective
- Kenneth Kingdon
       Current Events in Rating / Case Law Update
- Other Topics to Include:
       Dahl Case
       Advanced Theory in Rating Outside the AMA Guides

Special Pricing for Adjusters:
Call 805-484-0333 for Special Adjuster Pricing.
Verification of Adjuster employment status is required.

Includes 16 hours of state-required post-designation training to renew Medical Bill Reviewer Certification in California.

Students who complete all of the post-designation coursework will meet the California Department of Insurance requirements laid out in Title 10, 2592.04 of the California Code of Regulations governing bill review professionals.

Overview:

Join us for our final 2022 California Case Law Update on the WCAB rules and regulations in our half-day webinar focused on Case Law Updates and the new WCAB Rules of Practice and Procedure that went into effect on January 1, 2022.
 
Our Dream Team presents case law like no other workers’ compensation organization by describing the case and the potential effect the case has on the practice of workers’ compensation law from the applicant's attorney’s perspective, the defense counsel’s perspective, and a judge’s perspective.  The program’s format includes a round table discussion of each case with graphics showing highlights of each case so that the audience can visualize each case’s unique details.

You will hear from our esteemed instructor panel on important updates to California workers' compensation laws that affect your practice from the past two years:

• Updated knowledge of case law from 2020-2022
• Review of underutilized strategies to implement in your law practice
• Improve your workers' compensation knowledge, practice and procedures
• and more!

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will learn how recent cases may affect or impact:

• applicant attorney law practice
• defense attorney law practice
• a Judge’s decisions
• and more!

Instructors:

Hon. David Pollak - Van Nuys WCAB
Hon. Robert Rassp - Presiding Judge, Los Angeles WCAB
Frank Christine III, Esq. - Tobin Lucks

With a few exceptions, most attorneys who are actively practicing law in California must take 25 hours of MCLE every three years and file a report with the State Bar. On and after January 1, 2022, while all attorneys will still be required to complete 25 hours of MCLE every three years, the total hours must now include no less than seven hours as follows:

• At least four hours of legal ethics.
• At least two hours dealing with the elimination of bias. Of the two hours, at least one hour must focus on implicit bias and the promotion of bias-reducing strategies.
• At least one hour of education addressing competence issues.

This program provides seven hours of “Special Requirement” training within the 25 hours of total MCLE credit required for the California State Bar education needs of attorneys.

Learning Objectives:

This webinar will help assist all practicing attorneys in the following ways:

• Understand from a survey of cases detailing unethical behavior from attorneys in the workers’ compensation community how to avoid committing similar behavior in his or her own practice.
• Identify and resolve ethical dilemmas that arise in the representation of applicants (especially those in the Hispanic community with potential cross-over immigration issues).
• Identify and resolve ethical dilemmas that arise in the representation of defendants and conflicts of interest that arise with employers.
• Understand how certified Spanish interpreters are an essential component in the workers’ compensation system and prevent bias against applicants with limited English proficiency.
• Learn how alcohol, substance abuse, and mental illness affect the mind and how it impairs an attorney's ability to perform competent legal services.

Instructors:

WCJ David. L. Pollak - Van Nuys WCAB
PWCJ Robert G. Rassp - Los Angeles WCAB
Frank Christine, III, Esq. - Defendant's attorney from Tobin Lucks, LLP
Néstor Wagner - Founder and Director of Education for the Southern California School of Interpretation, Inc.
Amanda Deering White - Shareholder from Invictus Law, P.C.

Overview:

Our panel, made up of Medicaid law experts Rafael Gonzalez, Esq. and John Cattie, Esq. will discuss state and federal statutory law, prior case law, and the oral arguments made to the Supreme Court on Monday, January 10, 2022. It will also provide a detailed analysis of the briefs filed by both sides, as well as the various amicus curiae briefs filed by several groups with an interest in this issue, including the United States, American Association for Justice, American Academy of Physician Life Care Planners, National Conference of State Legislators, National League of Cities, US Conference of Mayors, Government Finance Officers Association, as well as 14 US States.

Additional Information:

Although a decision is not expected from the Court until June 2022, with over 83 million Americans receiving Medicaid benefits today, this decision stands to affect 25% of our country’s population, and immediately become one of the most significant cases to be decided by the Supreme Court regarding individuals receiving Medicaid benefits and also involved in a class action, medical malpractice, no-fault, nursing home, personal injury, products liability, workers compensation, and wrongful death litigation. The panel will discuss Federal and Florida Medicaid statutory and case law, Gallardo’s position and offer of $35,367 to resolve the lien, the State of Florida’s position and claim for $300,000 reimbursement, Gallardo’s win at the Federal District Court, Florida’s win at the 11th Circuit Appeals Court, the United States’ position on the litigation, and the oral arguments made at the US Supreme Court.

Excerpted from Rafael Gonzalez, Esq. Linked In Post on 1/11/22:

 

During nearly two hours of oral arguments, the justices wrestled with how broad or limiting various provisions of the Medicaid Act should be read. The provisions prohibit states from imposing a lien on a Medicaid recipient’s property to recover payments they’ve made but also allow states to recover damages from someone who injured a beneficiary.
 

At issue is whether the state’s recoveries are limited to the amount of money allocated in the settlement for past medical expenses.

Join us during this webnar to hear what the Supreme Court Justices had to say during the oral arguments and how it may impact workers' compensation cases.

Instructors:

Rafael Gonzalez, Esq.
John Cattie, Esq.

 

Overview:

Learning Objectives:

Instructors:

Hon. David Pollak - Van Nuys WCAB
Hon. Robert Rassp - Presiding Judge, Los Angeles WCAB
Frank Christine III, Esq. - Tobin Lucks

Overview:

In this program, Suzanne Honor-Vangerov discusses changes to payment methodology, changes to definitions, and changes to payment multipliers as well as updated tables. Workers' compensation professionals who work with the outpatient hospital fee schedule will benefit from this course. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Define key terms related to the Outpatient Hospital Fee Schedule
• Apply payment methods appropriately
• Discuss tables relating to the fee schedule

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructor:

Suzanne Honor-Vangerov

Overview:

• At least four hours of legal ethics
• At least one hour on competence issues
• At least one hour in an area called the Recognition and Elimination of Bias in the Legal Profession and Society

Overview:

Join Dr. Steven Feinberg, Dr. Annu Navani, and Bill Zachry as they discuss chronic pain cases in Workers' Compensation.

Chronic pain usually starts with an injury or disease. However, even after the initial injury has healed, whether or not there is residual damage, the pain becomes chronic, persists, and relentlessly amplifies. Physical and psychological factors are typically present and overlap, as chronic pain is rarely purely physical or only psychological.

Background Info:

Pain is a global healthcare crisis. It causes increased mortality, lost quality of life, significant patient suffering, increases substantial medical and absence expenses, and contributes to lost employer productivity. In workers' compensation, a small percentage of claims account for a disproportionate amount of system expense, and claims administration time and effort, and from that pool, a considerable number of these “catastrophic” claims involve injured workers who are diagnosed with a “chronic pain” syndrome.

The primary goals of workers’ compensation systems are to maximize recovery and return the injured worker to regular life activities and work. This can be achieved by providing timely, quality evidence-based medical care. The workers' compensation system is structured on foundations of function, ability, or impairment, but does not compensate for “pain and suffering” in the manner seen in civil litigation.

When employers and claims professionals partner with treating physicians to take positive steps to prevent or lessen an injured worker’s potential slide into a chronic pain syndrome, the results are significant. They can do this by understanding the definition of pain, the causes of chronic pain, the ramifications of untreated pain on mood, sleep, and function, and the evidence-based medical treatment that can prevent chronic pain. Additionally, claims professionals must understand how their decision making and communication process while they are adjusting the claim may contribute to the development of chronic pain.

Talking Points:

During this webinar, the instructors will discuss these talking points in detail:

• Chronic Pain Overview
• Chronic Pain in Workers Compensation
• Defining Pain & Terminology
• Acute vs. Chronic Pain
• Pain Facts
• Successful Chronic Pain Treatments
• Chronic Pain and Workers' Comp Summary

Instructors:

Dr. Steven Feinberg -  Feinberg Medical Group
Dr. Annu Navani - Boomerang Healthcare
William Zachry - SCIF Board Member

Overview:

Suzanne Honor-Vangerov presents a program discussing the vital changes for 2017 including conversion factors, types of covered services and what is reimbursed. This course will benefit all who are involved in the workers' compensation system. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Identify important changes for 2017
• List changes to the conversion factors
• Explain changes to types of covered services
• Classify how certain services are reimbursed

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructor:

Suzanne Honor-Vangerov

Overview:

This program offers expert instruction and advice on rating, while providing the students with the upper hand in everyday issues with your cases. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to deal with permanent disability issues, rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater. In addition, students will find out what a Judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue.

Program Learning Objectives:

- Rating case law update
- Mistakes in the Guides
- Overlooked rating issues
- Anatomy of a medical report – What is substantial evidence?
- What makes a vocational expert report substantial evidence?
- Common mistakes doctors make in their reports
- Cross-examination of medical experts and vocational experts
- Pandemic and post-pandemic medical evaluation, doctor deposition, and  hearing issues
- Chapters 1 and 2 of the AMA Guides, 5th Edition
- Disability vs. impairment
- Almaraz/Guzman ratings
- Fitzpatrick and 100% PD awards “according to fact” per Section 4662(b)
- Adding versus combining impairments
- Apportionment: 4662(a), 4662(b), 4663, 4664, Hikida, Justice, and “vocational apportionment”
- Developing the record before and after trial on permanent disability issues
- Rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater
- What a judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue

Instructors:

Hon. Clint Feddersen
Hon. Robert Rassp
Hon. William Carero
Kenneth Kingdon, Esq.
Allan Fensten, Esq.

Overview:

Learn the new Medical-Legal Fee Schedule. The fee schedule methodology and coding has completely changed. The course will teach you how the new schedule works so you can use it accurately.

The revised schedule is slated to take effect for services rendered on or after 4/1/21. 

Program Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this program, students will:

• Learn the new and revised definitions of key elements.
• Learn the new coding for the various services included under this schedule.
• Learn the changed methodology for determining the appropriate fee.
• Learn the new requirements related to the provision of records and how physicians are reimbursed for reviewing them.
• Learn the new Modifiers and how they apply.

Instructor:

Suzanne Honor, Esq., CPC, CPC-I

Enroll in the entire series here!

Overview:

This program instructed by Phil Walker, J.D. and Christopher Brigham, M.D. will focus on the basic ratings under the AMA Guides. This is part one of three on a series of the AMA Guides 5th Edition.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss simple ratings and how to read it off a chart
• Explain range of motion and intermediate ratings
• Describe Californial special cases and how to get a report corrected under the guides

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Christopher Brigham, MD
Phil Neal Walker, JD

Overview:

This program will instruct Hearing Reps and Lien Reps in the fundamentals about a work comp claim - from injury to opening a case, pre-trial issues, mandatory settlement conferences, and settlement of cases. Three experienced and highly respected judges with a combined total of 68 years of judicial experience will lead this course. The curriculum is also of great benefit to any non-attorney who appears at a DWC District office (board): hearing representatives both applicant and defense, lien hearing representatives, lien claimants, paralegals, legal secretaries, law school students, law firm interns, claims adjusters, TPAs, employers or HR professionals, self-insureds, program managers and claims analysts for brokers. As well as attorneys, claims professionals, insurance professionals, and self-insureds.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Prepare for hearings (conferences and trials)
• Identify professional standards and conduct as well as DWC forms and procedures
• Discuss case review, legal basics, petitions, liens, file and litigation preparation and strategies and both direct and cross examination
• Construct effective depositions and expert testimony
• Defend and prosecute AOE/COE and independent contractor issues
• File petitions for reconsideration and removal

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Hon. Janet Coulter
Hon. Eileen O'Kane
Alan Skelly

Overview:

Litigation involving uninsured employers has become unusually complicated given the requirement of service of process in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure in order to obtain personal jurisdiction and proper joinder of the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund. In addition, once joinder has been secured, further litigation involving joinder of additional employers and/or insurance carriers lead to trials on employment and arbitration on insurance coverage. Further roadblocks can also include uninsured employers filing bankruptcy requiring injured workers to seek relief from the automatic stay of the workers' compensation case in bankruptcy court and death of uninsured employers requiring creation of no-asset estates in probate court. Finally, when the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund assumes responsibility for uninsured employers' financial liability, collection efforts against them can be devastating.
　
This comprehensive program will cover all aspects of workers' compensation claims against uninsured employers from attorneys who represent injured workers, uninsured employers and the Uninsured Employers Benefits Trust Fund as well as from a WCJ and an arbitrator. Its goal will be to assist attorneys who represent injured workers and uninsured employers in navigating this difficult area of the workers' compensation system.

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Overview:

This program offers expert instruction and advice on rating, while providing the students with the upper hand in everyday issues with your cases. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to deal with permanent disability issues, rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater. In addition, students will find out what a Judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue.

Program Learning Objectives:

- Rating and apportionment case law update
- Mistakes in the AMA Guides, 5^th Ed.
- Underutilized issues in the AMA Guides, 5^th Ed.
- Anatomy of a medical report – What is substantial evidence?
- What makes a vocational expert report substantial evidence?
- Common mistakes doctors make in their reports
- Cross-examination of medical experts and vocational experts
- Pandemic and post-pandemic medical evaluation, doctor deposition, and  hearing issues
- Chapters 1 and 2 of the AMA Guides, 5th Ed. and Almaraz/Guzman ratings
- Disability vs. impairment
- Fitzpatrick and 100% PD awards “according to fact” per Section 4662(b)
- Adding versus combining impairments
- Apportionment: 4662(a), 4662(b), 4663, 4664, Hikida, Justice, and “vocational apportionment”
- Developing the record before and after trial on permanent disability issues
- Rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater
- What a judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue

Instructors:

Hon. Clint Feddersen
Hon. Robert Rassp
Hon. William Carero
Kenneth Kingdon, Esq.
Allan Fensten, Esq.

This program is intended to give 6 hours of foundational insight to those new to the industry. Employers, Insurance Brokers, and Claims Professionals can be sure to take away some useful information and hidden strategies.

The workers' compensation system is complex and foreign to many. Professionals are often thrown into a position in the workers’ comp industry and are told to “take care of it” or simply “to figure it out.” This scenario is all too common and leads to years of frustration and poor results without a knowledgeable source to provide a roadmap to workers’ compensation success.

The Workers' Comp Newcomers Course is used as mandatory onboarding of new hires including risk managers, safety professionals supervisors, and vendors to get up to speed on workers’ compensation very quickly. Many stakeholders are responsible for some aspect of workers’ compensation or disability leave, and need to understand more about workers’ compensation cost containment methodology.

Vendors such as doctors, investigation firms, law firms, medical management vendors and triage companies also  learn how their services might fit into the workers’ compensation marketplace. They learn what is important to employers, and what they look for in vendor relationships.

Course Details:

• Module 1

  A Comprehensive introductory course, students with little to no experience in workers’ compensation will be prepared to make an immediate impact on employer’s work comp costs.
   

  Module 2

  Building on the foundation laid in Module 1, Module 2 dives further into the fundamental concepts and techniques for workers’ compensation cost containment.  Implementation of the concepts and techniques will achieve the desired workers’ compensation goals of reduced costs and improved injured worker outcomes. 

  In this module you will learn to:

  • Identify the four most common reasons why workers’ comp costs get out of control
  • Describe the roles and responsibilities of the parties involved in workers’ compensation
  • Properly complete a First Report of Injury and describe it’s importance to the claim
  • Identify common obstacles a company will face when implementing or reforming a work comp management program
  • Avoid common mistakes that increase work comp costs and cause poor injured worker outcomes.

   

  Module 3

  The success or failure of a work comp management program is defined by the impact of improvements on an organization.  In this module students will learn how to define the scoreboard with specific metrics, as well as tell the story of the meaning behind the numbers. 

  In this module you will learn to:

  • Calculate the minimum experience mod and express the meaning for an organization
  • Make an immediate impact on workers’ comp claim costs with the Unit Statistical Date
  • Overcome workers’ comp viewed just as a cost of doing business
  • Gain management buy-in to the understand value of return to work
  • Leverage leading and lagging indicators to accurately assess program progress

   

  Module 4

  A common statement regarding workers’ compensation is “I hope we have a good year”, or “we’ve been lucky / unlucky the last couple years.” The reality is hoping for good luck has very little to do with workers’ compensation success or failure.  Workers’ comp success is driven by a comprehensive systematic approach to injury management. This session will cover 12 proven tactics used by best-in-class work comp management programs.

  In this module you will learn to:

  • Prioritize the sequence of implementation of work comp management improvements
  • Identify 1 or 2 tactics which will bring immediate work comp results for you 
  • Leverage the service of third-party vendors to accelerate results
  • Systematically communicate with injured workers’ and the claims handling team
  • Leverage and coordinate the strengths of the work comp claims handling team
  • And more…

Overview:

Overview:
WorkCompCentral presents a full day seminar offering the latest updates in Medicare Secondary Payer compliance. This course touches upon all components of MSP compliance, from conditional payment resolutions and Medicare set-asides to emerging issues such as recoveries under Medicare Parts C & D. With case law and legislative updates and practical advice for how to settle claims with Medicare in mind, this day proposes to offer something for everyone.

Discussion:
- Legal & Regulatory authority for MSP enforcement
- Case law summary
- How Mandatory Insurer Reporting has Changed CMS Recovery Processes
- Conditional Payment Resolution
- Other Federal Debt Recovery Laws to Consider
- Medicare Appeals Overview
- How Recoveries by Medicare Advantage Plans and Part D Prescription Drug Plans Differ
- Medicare Set-aside Arrangements
- Tips for Obtaining CMS Approval
- Considerations when not Obtaining CMS Approval
- Negotiation Tips for Settling Claims with Medicare Issues
- Technological advancements in medicine and settlement impact

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:
Jen Jordan, JD, MSCC, CMSP, Chief Legal Officer for MEDVAL, LLC
Erin O'Neill, PA-C, JD, Sr. Managing Attorney/Clinical Director-Complex Claims Division for MEDVAL, LLC

Overview:

This program will provide detailed instructions and skillsets to students for the successful SIU referral and prosecution thereof. The instructors will focus on red flags for fraud, identifying and documenting the fraud, and how to protect your company from fraud. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to: 

• Investigate stages leading up to and the submission of the SIU referral to the District Attorney
• Submit an SIU referral to the Distract Attorney
• Identify the nuts and bolts of claimant fraud and/or premium fraud
• Explain pertinent law and how to use the SIU referral to prosecute fraud successfully
• Determine if the climant lie constitutes fraud
• Discuss how the lie or potential fraud affects the adjuster
• identify if a lie constitutes fraud
• Evaluate the fraud

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Jeff Stewart - Founder, S.I.S. Investigations, Inc.
Michael Chiriatti, Jr. - Deputy District Attorney, San Bernardino County
Dennis Knotts - Senior Claims Examiner, Riverside County
Laura Clifford - Executive Director, Employers' Fraud Task Force

Overview:
Understand how to Litigate a Workers’ Comp Case, when the primary issue is Permanent Disability. This course will take the audience step by step through the litigation process of a permanent disability case. From developing an accurate record to presenting the case to the judge.

Discussion:
+ Clarifying the legal theory
     - Strict AMA Guides Rating?
     - Guzman Rebuttal (LC 4660)?
     - LeBoeuf Analysis?
     - Total Disability “in accordance with the fact” (LC 4662)?
+ Developing the Record
     - Bullet proofing the medical evidence
     - Taking the evaluating physician’s deposition
     - Strategy for Use of Sub Rosa videos
+ Negotiation Techniques
     - Analyzing the pros and cons of settlement
     - When to take “yes” for an answer
     - Dealing with difficult clients
+ Trial Strategies
     - Use of recent case law to bolster your position
     - Judicial perceptions of various trial tactics
     - Avoiding the apportionment gotchas
     - Use and Abuse of the Appeals Process
+ Bridging TTD to PTD:  How, When, and What is Paid?
+ How to calculate attorney's fees in a PTD case

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Enroll in the entire series here!


Overview:

This program instructed by Phil Walker, J.D. and Christopher Brigham, M.D. will focus on the intermediate ratings under the AMA Guides. This is part two of three on a series of the AMA Guides 5th Edition. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss prior ratings such as range of motion, DRE, sleep, sex and gastrointestinal
• Identify intermediate ratings such as nerve rating, spine range of motion and DRE and ROM
• Distinguish Almaraz Guzman III ratings
• Explain how to get a report corrected under the AMA guides accurately

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Christopher Brigham, MD
Phil Neal Walker, JD

Enroll in the entire series here!


Overview:

This program instructed by Phil Walker, J.D. and Christopher Brigham, M.D. will focus on the advanced ratings under the AMA Guides. This is part three of three on a series of the AMA Guides 5th Edition. 


Discussion:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discuss nerve rating, spine range of motion and Almaraz Guzman III ratings
• Prevail at court with a correct report, cross examination and use of an expert report
• Practice updates on CA workers' compensation law regarding AMA ratings

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Christopher Brigham, MD
Phil Neal Walker, JD

Overview:

We know that health is determined by more than just access to quality medical care. Social factors such as poverty, housing, and education can significantly impact health outcomes. These factors are known as the social determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH can act as barriers to recovery from illness or injury, and they can also contribute to chronic conditions. In order to address SDOH, it is essential to take a whole-person approach to health. This means considering each individual's physical, mental, and social needs. economic factors such as income and employment are key drivers of healthcare outcomes. The good news is that there are proven tools and techniques that can be used to improve health outcomes for individuals and communities. By using screening tools to identify SDOH and using first points of contact to assess critical indicators, we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.

 

Join us to review these social barriers to recovery and how we can help injured workers overcome them. We will discuss how “whole person recovery” leads to shorter claim durations, decreased indemnity costs, happy and healthy employees, and an overall reduction in total claim payments.
 

During This Webinar, The Instructors Will Answer Many Questions, Including:

• What role do social factors play in workers' compensation cases?
• What are some social determinants of health that can impact workers' compensation outcomes?
• What are some challenges associated with addressing SDOH in workers' compensation?
• What is the best advice for employers to get injured workers back to work?
• How do we engage with younger workers today to get them to come work for our industry?

 

Instructors:

Rafael Gonzalez, Esq. - Cattie & Gonzalez
Debra Livingston - CEO, ReEmployAbility
Chad Bienschroth - Claims Examiner, ABM Risk

Attorney Certification Level 2 includes more of the essential tools, skills and training sessions for the new workers' compensation attorney.

Recommended Training Schedule Chronology
- Medical Treatment for Injured Workers (6 CE’s)
- The Real Do’s and Dont’s of Trial: From Discovery to Decision (4 CE’s)
- Cross Examining Medical Professionals (4 CE’s)
- Cumulative Trauma Litigation (6 CE’s)
- The Prosecution and Defense of Psychiatric Injuries (6 CE’s)
- Catastrophic Injury: How to Maximize or Minimize Exposure (6 CE’s)
- Prosecuting and Defending IMR/UR, Dubon Challenges, and the CA MTUS (6 Credits)
- Uninsured Employers: Dealing with Cases Involving UE’s (6 CE’s)

Short Summary:

In this webinar, attendees will learn how Motivational Interviewing can be used to improve communication with injured worker patients. MI involves practical, empathetic, and short-term processes that take into consideration how difficult it is to make life changes. Motivational interviewing is often used to help people change their behaviors when facing addiction and chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, to name a few. Motivational interviewing is a good tool for people experiencing anger and/or hostility about their situation. It can help them move through emotional stages to find what is needed to motivate them to change.

Overview:

This course will provide an overview of how claims professionals can use Motivational Interviewing as a tool to communicate more effectively with injured worker patients. Instructors will review Motivational Interviewing techniques and the relevant theories that dovetail with MI such as Neuroplasticity, Positive Psychology, Stages of Change and Non Violent Communication.

Motivational interviewing is often used to help people change their behaviors when facing addiction and chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity, to name a few. Motivational interviewing is a good tool for people experiencing anger and/or hostility about their situation. It can help them move through emotional stages to find what is needed to motivate them to change.

Course Objectives:

1. Attendees will have an understanding of why neuroplasticity matters in working with injured workers.
2. Attendees will understand how stages of change are relevant to making lasting lifestyle changes.
3. Attendees will have an understanding of how Motivational Interviewing skills can be effective when communicating with injured workers.
4. Attendees will gain an understanding of Non Violent Communication, Positive Psychology and how they relate to working with people who are injured at work.
5. Attendees will learn how Motivational Interviewing includes strategies to combat burnout.

Overview:
WCAB Marina del Rey issues will be discussed in depth.

Discussion:
- Trial Priority according to the Policy and Procedure Manual
- Strategies on how to get your case heard   
- Practice and procedure walk-through
- Developing the record: what is substantial medical evidence?   
- Burdens: who has to prove what?  
- Trial testimony tactics: what's the point of a witness ?  
- Attacking a med-legal report: AME vs PQME   
- IMR appeals
- Untimely UR
- Liens


Instructors:
Hon. Cirina A. Rose, Marina del Rey WCAB
Hon. Ivy Mi, Marina del Rey WCAB
Adam Dombchik, Esq., Gordon, Edelstein, Krepack, Grant, Felton & Goldstein
David F. Mahjoubi, Esq., Bradford & Barthel
Bethe Barkley, Esq., Stander Reubens Thomas Kinsey
Ajna Sharma-Wilson, Esq.

Overview:

This program offers expert instruction and advice on rating, while providing the students with the upper hand in everyday issues with your cases. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to deal with permanent disability issues, rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater. In addition, students will find out what a Judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue.

Program Learning Objectives:

• - 2023 Rating and apportionment case law update
• - Significant mistakes in the AMA Guides, 5^thEd.
• - Currently underutilized issues in the AMA Guides, 5^thEd.
• - Anatomy of a medical report – What is substantial evidence in 2023?
• - What currently makes a vocational expert report substantial evidence?
• - Common mistakes doctors are making in their reports
• - Cross-examination of medical experts and vocational experts
• - Pandemic and post-pandemic medical evaluation, doctor deposition, and hearing issues
• - Chapters 1 and 2 of the AMA Guides, 5th Ed. and Almaraz/Guzman ratings
• - Disability vs. impairment
• - Fitzpatrickand 100% PD awards “according to fact” per Section 4662(b)
• - Adding versus combining impairments
• - Apportionment: 4662(a), 4662(b), 4663, 4664 Hikida,Justice, and “vocational apportionment”
• - Developing the record before and after trial on permanent disability issues
• - Rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater
• - What a judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue
• - Discussion ofthe en banc Nunes decision and how to use it with vocational experts.

Instructors:

Hon. Clint Feddersen
Hon. Robert Rassp
Hon. William Carero
Kenneth Kingdon, Esq.
Allan Fensten, Esq.

Overview:

The California non-attorney Hearing Representative and Lien Representative is required to know how to prepare for and litigate a workers’ compensation case or lien claim before a WCAB Judge. This seminar will instruct Hearing Reps and Lien Reps in the fundamentals about a work comp claim - from injury to opening a case, pre-trial issues, mandatory settlement conferences, and settlement of cases.

Any non-attorney who appears at a DWC District office (board): hearing representatives both applicant and defense, lien hearing representatives, lien claimants, paralegals, legal secretaries, law school students, law firm interns, claims adjusters, TPAs, employers or HR professionals, self-insureds, program managers and claims analysts for brokers.

This seminar is instructed by three experienced and highly respected judges with a combined total of 68 years of judicial experience. The curriculum is also of great benefit to attorneys, claims professionals, insurance professionals, and self-insureds as well.

Discussion:
* Preparation for 2018 Issues
- Preparing for Hearings (conferences and trials)
- Professional Standards and Conduct
- DWC Forms and Procedures
- Case Review
- Legal Basics
- Petitions
- Liens
- File and Litigation Preparation and Strategies
- Direct and Cross Examination
- Effective Depositions
- Expert Testimony
- How and When to Settle the Case (Or Not!)
- Defending and Prosecuting AOE/COE and Independent Contractor Issues
- Rating Your Case
- Petitions for Reconsideration/Removal
- Professional Standards of Conduct
- Liens: Filing, Statute of Limitations, Copy Service Regs and Fee Schedules
- Using EAMS to Your Advantage

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:

Join Judge Clint Feddersen as he provides an overview of WorkCompCentral’s California workers’ compensation calculators in a live demonstration of our online calculators. 

Course Objectives:

• Familiarize yourself with the 26 CA workers’ compensation calculators offered by WCC
• Learn how to calculate commutations, PD, Life Pension, PV of Award with Life Pension and more with WCC’s calculators
• Save data sets for a particular case you are working on
• Explore how to use WCC calculators to save time and make more informed decisions on your cases

DISCLAIMER: The information and opinions in this presentation are those of the presenter alone, and not of the State of California, its Labor & Workforce Development Agency, Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Workers’ Compensation, Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board, or any other entity, and are not to be relied upon as legal advice for any particular case.
 

Instructor:

Hon. Clint Feddersen - WCJ, Van Nuys WCAB

Overview:

This program provides the essential updates for the year 2018 on the topic of liens. The instructors will focus their teachings on the tools and skills for the entire spectrum of workers' compensation professionals who deal with lien issues. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this program, the student will be able to:

• Evaluate IBR, lien and petition for costs
• Create proper objections to bills
• Establish copy service
• Identify services paid under the OMFS and MLFS
• Discuss interpreter issues
• Correctly e-file documents with EAMS
• Deconstruct elements of a lien conference
• Recognize the notice of representation, burden of proof and other special topics

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Hon. Myrle Petty
Suzanne Honor-Vangerov

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:

This program will provide expert instruction and advice about rating, permanent disability, impairment and litigation strategies. The panel of instructors will focus on education that benefits all parties in the workers' compensation profession.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this program, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate disability and impairment
• Read a medical report and identify substantial evidence
• Cross examine a medical expert
• Discuss adding versus combining impairments
• Develop the record before trial on permanent disability issues

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Hon. Clint Feddersen
Hon. Robert Rassp
Hon. William Carero
Kenneth Kingdon, Esq.
Allan Fensten, Esq.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:

This is a four-hour MCLE program that addresses the specific issues of the prosecution and defense of cases involving employee leasing companies, general-special employment law, and handling cases when the employer or the PEO is uninsured.

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion, attendees can be sure to take away these main points:

• Attendees will understand the origin and evolution of employee leasing companies
• Is a PEO the injured worker’s employer?
• How to properly name defendants
• How to conduct discovery when a PEO or employee leasing agreement is in effect
• How to obtain insurance coverage information while you unpeel the onion
• How PEO cases can be linked to the prosecution and defense of uninsured employers
• How does the UEBTF work?
• What is the current case law on PEOs and employee leasing?
• What do Applicant and Defense attorneys need to know about serving an uninsured employer, how to join the UEBTF and OD Legal
• How does a C&R or Stipulated Award work when an employer is uninsured?

Instructors:

Hon. Robert Rassp - Presiding Judge, Los Angleles WCAB
Hon. David Pollak - Judge, Van Nuys WCAB
Christopher Hartman, Esq. - Deputy District Attorney, Los Angeles

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Discussion:
Top Tips for Prepping Your Case for Trial
Nailing the Doctor’s deposition
Bullet Proving Your Medical Evidence
Secrets Everyone Needs to Know About How to Accurately Rate PD
WC Litigation Pitfalls and Pratfalls in and How to Avoid Them
Best Practices in Post - Trial Strategies

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

This program will educate attorneys and claims adjusters on the various methods for assessing the credibility of psychiatric injury claims. Attorneys will gain a better understanding of psychological testing and how to effectively question psychologists about the testing. The testing results are sometimes not presented properly. This is especially important for attorneys to know since they have the ability to cross examine these doctors.


Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to: 

• Demonstrate the process assessing credibility through observations in the interview and in the applicant's responses to questions
• Discuss the role of record review in assessing credibility
• Explain the validity and limitations of various tests with emphasis on what attorneys should look for when reviewing reports
• Describe why there are many, sometimes virtuous, reasons for not being completely honest

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Level 2 - Advanced

About the Program:
WorkCompCentral is pleased to announce two levels of workers’ compensation certification programs for Hearing and Lien Representatives. These certifications, which will be recognized industry wide, have been created and are being administered by WorkCompCentral. These certifications are California specific.

Why Become Certified:
The training that we provide is comprehensive and systematic. After receiving the Hearing and Lien Representative Certifications, you will have a firm grasp and advanced understating of expectations, duties, and requirements of being a highly skilled workers’ compensation professional. Graduates will be able to effectively handle all types of cases in a professional, competent, and confident manner.

What to Expect:
Topics include general background and introductory information about workers’ compensation issues, including statutes and laws that govern the industry. You will be exposed to an extensive background and given specific details on what is required of a Hearing or Lien Representative, including litigation skills, recent case law, and a robust education in lien litigation.

Other Benefits:

WorkCompCentral will prominently display the names of all industry professionals who have earned a Hearing Representative or Lien Representative Certification. This will help potential employers identify those in the industry who have received extensive training.

Maintaining Certification:
To  maintain your certification status and be featured on our website, WorkCompCentral requires individuals to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. WorkCompCentral will monitor and keep track of certification renewal dates and issue notices informing the individual of their anniversary date. Topics can be selected from our online or live catalog.

Topics Covered (55 Credit Hours):

Advanced Lien Education (12 Credits)
- 2019 Liens Update, Los Angeles, 6 Credits
- Cost Petitions vs. Liens: A Workshop for Providers and Payers, 6 Credits

Advanced Hearing Representative Training (4 Credits)
- Advanced Hearing and Lien Rep Training, 4 Credits

Advanced Med Legal Issues (7.5 Credits)
- The Prosecution and Defense of Psychiatric Injuries, 6 Credits
- Cross Examing Medical Professionals: Basic Strategy and Principles, 1.5 Credits

Rating Instruction: (4 Credits)
- For What It's Worth: How to Rate and Value Your Case, 4 Credits

Advanced Litigation Skills Training (28 Credits)
- Uninsured Employers: Dealing with Cases Involving UE's, 6 Credits
- Catastrophic Injury: How to Maximize or Minimize Exposure, 4 Credits
- Advanced Litigation Skills: Pre-Trial, Discovery and MSC - Part (1/2), 6 Credits
- Advanced Litigation Skills: MSC, Trial and Appellate Process - Part (2/2), 6 Credits
- Prosecuting and Defending IMR/UR, Dubon Challenges, and the CA MTUS, 6 Credits

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Is the WCAB so backed up that injured workers could not timely receive their benefits, or are the parties simply not prepared? In this edition of Work Comp matters Steve talks about How the system is supposed to work and the consequences of not being prepared. #workcompmatters #expeditedhearings #wcab #workcompcentral

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Robert The Uber driver said it best: “the messages open up your eyes, pay attention, and understand what you are entitled to.“ During this edition of Work Comp Matters, Steve and the gang talk about Robert, The Uber driver and the news of the week.

Laura Wilson is on everybody's top five list of vocational rehabilitation expert's. This week on Work Comp matters she talks to Steve about her career in California Worker's Compensation.  www.lauramwilson.com #workcompcentral #workcompmatters

During this edition of work, matters, Steve and the guys talk about recipes for success in life, work, and in the kitchen and or the barbecue. #workcompcentral #workerscompensation #success

Mark Reed is the pragmatic candidate for the 30th US Congressional District. In this edition of Work Comp matters Steve and the guys talk to Mark about the homeless, a Autonomous cars, legalize marijuana, crime, immigration, and other issues that affect employees, employers, and independent contractors. #workcompmatters #workerscompensation #issues

Overview:

The permanent disability rating webinar will cover spine ratings, with an emphasis on evaluating the accuracy of the doctor’s finding.  A review of “red flag” rating methods used by doctors to inflate ratings, followed by a discussion of Almaraz/Guzman cases.  The session will close with a question & answer segment.

Instructor:

Mark Kremer - Owner/operator of Speed Rating, a permanent disability rating service.  Since its founding in 1994, Mark has rated over 48,000 medical reports.  In addition to rating services, he answers general rating questions for free and offers free in-house training seminars on use of the AMA Guides.

Overview:

This program focuses on how to use data. Linda Lane will share a strategy that builds a customized network that achieved the "Triple Aim" of workers' compensation - which is quality care, prompt return to work, and high patient satisfaction. She will use case studies to demonstrate how these programs have achieved success. 

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this course, the student will be able to:

• Discover how data analytics when used to identify high-performing physcians can impact WC outcomes.
• Understand the steps to create a data-driven, outcomes-based provider network.
• Learn from case studies that have achieved superior clinical and financial results.

Instructor:

Linda Lane

On this edition of work comp matters, Steve & the boys talk about all the presidents men and who is guilty and who is not. Also, Ted talks about a special rendezvous that took place over 40 years ago. All this, plus some talk, some news and hopefully some answers for employees, employers & independent contractors.  #guilty #employees #workcompcentral #workcompmatters

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

In this episode of Work Comp Matters, Steve talks about California’s  cash bail being eliminated for the 1st time in any State in the nation’s history.  Whatever you do, do not miss the first 15 minutes of this show when Steve talks to criminal defense attorney Lou Shapiro about senate Bill 10 and the elimination of bail in the California criminal justice system. #californiabail #governorbrown #workcompmatters #news #talkradio

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

In this episode of Work Comp Matters Steve and the guys talk about Colin Kaepernick’s new campaign with Nike against the NFL and Donald Trump’s supreme court nominee, Brett Kavanaugh.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Once again Laura Wilson joins the round table to talk to the guys about vocational rehabilitation, IMR, Home Ownership, the Gig Economy and other issues of interest to employees, employers, and independent contractors.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Is supreme court justice nominee read Cavanagh guilty of attempted rape? Listen to this very special addition of Work Comp matters where even the guys at the roundtable cannot agree.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Since this edition of Work Comp Matters was recorded, the United States Senate Judiciary committee has put confirmation for Judge Kavanaugh on hold for one week pending an FBI investigation.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

As you listen to this edition of Work Comp matters please think long and hard about the following question: “who do you trust?”

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Will we ever find out what really happened? During this edition of Work Comp matters, Steve and the guys talk about The news of the day for employees employers and independent contractors.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Overview:

Settling work comp claims calls for a tricky balance. Payers want to limit the amount of money that is allocated to a Medicare Set-Aside and injured workers worry about running out of money for their work-injury related medical bills.  How do you balance these competing interests?  This webinar shows how pairing an intervention-driven MSA partner with a supportive professional administrator can produce a fair and reasonable MSA allocation and still protect and extend those allocation dollars over an injured worker’s life expectancy.
 

 

Attendees Will Learn How:

• To balance the interests of payers and injured workers when settling claims.
• An accurate drafting of the MSA provides its own cost savings.
• To identify MSA cost drivers and how to apply clinical interventions to reduce them.
• The right professional administrator can reduce the costs of medical and pharmacy care for the injured worker after settlement.
• Professional administration can support an injured worker after settlement, and protect and extend the life of the settlement.

Instructors:

Daniel M. Anders, Esq. MSCC - CCO Tower MSA Partners
Marques Torbert - CEO Ametros

In this edition of Work Comp Matters, Daniel Brin joined Steve and Mike to talk about the Dodgers, the homeless, and all the other issues of the week concerning employees, employers, and independent contractors.

"Work Comp Matters" - the central location for all your workers' compensation, employment and labor law matters. Steve Appell hosts this weekly podcast from sunny southern California - presenting some talk, some news and some answers about work comp matters.

Discussion:

Roadmap for Prepping Your Case for Trial
- Cheat Sheets and Checklists for Every Hot Topic
- MPN Rules Attorneys Often Miss
- Taking Advantage of the Jurisdiction and Venue Rules
- Confirming Employment: The 2018 Dynamex Case Changes Everything
- Object Before it's Too Late (Edwards Case)

Common Discovery Mistakes and How Not to Make Them
- Developing the Record (McDuffie v. LC 5502(d)(3); LC 5906 & LC 5701)
- Subpoena Duces Tecum: Super Power, but Only if Done Correctly
- Sub Rosa Videos: Traps for the Unwary for Both Sides of the Aisle
- Nailing the Doctor's Deposition
- "Taking the 5th": Options for Applicant & Defense
- Evidentiary Compliance: Priviledges are Alive and Well

Ex Parte Issues That Can Tank Your Case
- Why Maxhan Matters (and how to tell the difference between "communication" and "information")

Don't Let Psych Cases Psych You Out
- How to Meet the LC3208.3: Rolda Burden of Proof
- What are "Events of Employment"?
- What are "Personnel Actions"?
- LC 4660.1 Update: For Sex, Sleep, & Psych, it's All About Direct Injuries v Compensible Consequences

Permanent Disability Rating Update
- 2018 Glossary of AMA Guides Cases
- Burden of Proof Issues when Genetics and Family History Invololved (Rice case and progeny)
-Apportionment; Old Rules - New Tricks

How to Avoid an Appeals Faux Pas
- Gotchas when Appealing an Interim Order
- Using Probative Terms and Phrases
- Secrets for a Successful Petition

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:
Hon. Colleen Casey - San Francisco WCAB
Hon. Eric Ledger - Oakland WCAB
Hon. Dora Padilla - San Jose WCAB

Overview:

This program consisting of two WCAB Judges will provide all attorneys, both applicant and defense, underutilized strategies to implement in their everyday law practice. Vital case law from 2018 will also be covered.


Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate between injury AOE and COE
• Identify temporary disability and permanent disability 
• Describe apportionment and the need for further medical treatment
• Discuss trial procedure, settlement and third party credit

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Hon. David Polak - Van Nuys WCAB
Hon. Robert Rassp - Los Angeles WCAB
Frank Christine III, Esq. - Tobin Lucks

Discussion:

• Virtues of precise and short communication
• Consequences of delayed or erroneous communication
• When, Where, and Why communication by substitutes can go wrong
• Ways to assure that injured workers, adjusters, and physicians receive the right information quickly and completely

Instructor:

Steve Cattolica: Legislative Advocate - AdvoCal

This week Robert & Steve give thanks to friends, colleagues & those that we love for their contribution to our success.  Additionally, Robert & Steve discuss the fires that have raged Southern California, Global Warming & Robert gives a special segment on how to pass the California bar exam.  All that, plus news of the week for you employees, employers & independent contractors on this edition of Work Comp Matters.

This week Steve, Robert & Mike discuss George Herbert Walker Bush, Self Driving Cars and all the other News of the Week. Steve discusses his lunch meeting with President & CEO of WorkCompCentral.com, Kristen Chavez. All that, plus news of the week for you employees, employers & independent contractors on this edition of Work Comp Matters.

Steve Interviews Michael Burgis, The Law Offices of Michael Burgis & Associates – we talk about his Personal life, business life & workers compensation matters.

This week on Work Comp matters Steve interviews the President and CEO of Work Comp Central, Kristen Chavez. In addition to talking about how she started at the company, Kristen also discusses her role as leader, her hiring and firing practices and also the direction that Work Comp Central is going into the future. All this plus news of the week makes this one show you definitely do not want to miss. 

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike, Robert & Ted discuss all the events of 2018 that we liked & disliked.  An update from John Scalia.  Topics include WCAB, Immigration, Trump’s Wall, March For Our Lives, Guns, Laura Wilson, Breathalyzers, and much more.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike & Robert discuss Donald Trump, Gavin Newsom, the LA School Board Strike, Strippers in the Bay Area and much more.  An update from John Scalia from Munich. 

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike & Robert discuss LA School Board Strike (LAUSD), Nancy Pelosi, Donald Trump, Work Comp Central Update and much more. An update from John Scalia from Munich, Germany.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike, Robert & Brother Marc of AppellLaw.com, discuss Counting The Homeless the end of LAUSD Strike, PG&E, Bay Area Restaurant Chain Settlement, QME Applications, Retrofitting California Homes in addition to John Scalia from Munich, Germany, Daniel Brin from West Hills and much much more.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike, Ted, Robert, discuss Dr. Bruce Fishman and an email from his attorney, Howard Kapp, his felony conviction & workers compensation issues. Also, John Scalia from Munich, Germany and much much more.

This week on Work Comp matters Steve Robert and Mike talk about President Trump's State of the Union address in addition to the top two stories on workcompcentral.com plus John Scalis from Munich and some news talk and hopefully some answers for independent contractors employers and employees.

This week on Work Comp matter Steve Robert Mike Interp had a talk about the State of the State address by governor Gavin Newsom, President Trump, plus additional news talk and hopefully some answers for independent contractors employers and employees in addition to John Scalia from Munich Germany.

This week on Work Comp matters myself, Mike, And Robert talk about Donald Trump‘s wall in addition to the Work Comp Central.com story of the week and the news of the week for you independent contractors employers and employees. Also on the show from Munich Germany is retired attorney John Scalia talking about Donald Trump‘s wall and another segment from Daniel Brin on the street talking about what else, the wall.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Ted, Mike & Guest, Saul Alweiss (Workers Compensation Extraordinaire Attorney), discuss alternative dispute resolution, workers compensation carveouts, dealing with opposing counsel, evaluating evidence, deposing doctors & applicants plus additional news, talk and hopefully some answers for our independent contractors employers and employees. Also, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany and much, much more.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mike, Robert & Special Guest, John McNeely (29 year Workers Compensation Hearing Representative), discusses experiences in workers compensation dealing with co-counsel, adjusters & judges, additionally doing a song with Robert (The Law Offices of Robert Ozeran) on doing a song called “Jessie’s Files”, plus additional news, talk and hopefully some answers for our independent contractors employers and employees. Also, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany and much, much more.

During this episode of Work Comp Matters Steve, Robert, Mike & Ted talk about governor Gavin Newsom placing a stay on the death penalty, the Nationwide college admissions scandal regarding fraudulent admissions, Uber settling a class action suit for $20 million dollars and the death of Worker's Compensation Commissioner Frank Brass, plus additional news, talk and hopefully some answers for our independent contractors’ employers and employees.  Also, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany, Daniel Brin from the street and much, much more.

During this addition of Work Comp matters Steve provides his solution to the homeless problem. Also during the show Steve Mike and Robert talk about marijuana, e-cigarette's, PG&E,Recent major league baseball contracts Plus some additional talk news and hopefully some answers involving work comp matters.

During this edition of Work Comp matters, Steve Mike and Robert talk about the Mueller report, the investigative report on Christine Baker at the Department of industrial Relations, the investigative report at the California Department of Motor Vehicles, the expansion of the smoking ban in Los Angeles county, the Affordable Care Act, and the monkey business between Jesse Smollett and Michelle Obama.

This week on Work Comp Matters, your hosts get really touchy-feely and talk about Joe Biden, Christine Baker, Dr. Bruce Fishman, Puerto Rico and PG&E. Plus additional news, talk and hopefully some answers for our independent contractors’ employers and employees. Also, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mark, Mike and Robert talk about the college bribery admissions scandal in addition to United States attorney general bar’s testimony before Congress. And a Northern California neurosurgeon being arrested for fraud. All this plus California current events that interest employers employees and independent contractors. Plus John Scalia from Munich, Germany.

Overview:

This program offers expert instruction and advice on rating, while providing the students with the upper hand in everyday issues with your cases. Students will walk away with an understanding of how to deal with permanent disability issues, rating instructions, formal ratings, and how to cross-examine the rater. In addition, students will find out what a Judge is looking for when deciding a rating issue.

Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate between disability and impairment
• Describe the anatomy of a medical report and substantial evidence
• Explain what makes a vocational expert report substantial evidence
• Cross-examine a medical and vocational experts
• Discuss adding vs combining impairments
• Recall apportionment: 4662(A), 4662(b), 4663, 4664, Hikida, and "vocational apportionment"
• Interpret Fitzpatrick and 100% PD awards "according to fact" per Section 4662(b)
• Recognize Almaraz/Guzman ratings
• Question the pain add-on criteria
• Outline chapters 1 and 2 of the AMA Guides, 5th Edition
• Discuss current cases and trends regarding disability and apportionment issues

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Hon. Clint Feddersen
Hon. Robert Rassp
Hon. William Carero
Kenneth Kingdon, Esq.
Allan Fensten, Esq.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mark, Robert and Mike talk about Kim Kardashian West and her desire to become a lawyer. Also, the topics of discussion include all the California current events that interest you employers, employees and independent contractors in addition to the madman across the water, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany.

Overview:

This program will enhance each student's ability to identify poor quality evaluations and erroneous ratings. Dr. Chris Brigham will provide an insider's perspective and practical guidance.


Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of this program, the student will be able to:

• Explain why it is imperative to obtain accurate, unbiased impairment ratings
• Describe the magnitude of the problem and what causes erroneous ratings
• Outline a 3-step model of prevention of health problems and apply this to impairment ratings
• Explain how to identify erroneous impairment ratings
• List "red flags" suggesting an erroneous evaluation
• Explain how to manage erroneous evaluations

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructor:

Christopher Brigham, MD

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Mark Reed, Robert and Mike talk about the Measles and the anti-vaccine, Police use of force, State Compensation Insurance Fund Utilization Review, and Los Angeles attorney Elizabeth Greenwood suing the City of Los Angeles. Also, Dr. Mike Zima on the Mueller report plus additional news, talk and hopefully some answers for our independent contractors’ employers and employees. Also, John Scalia Sr. from Munich, Germany.

This week on Work Comp matters, Steve cries out for help from Dr. Michael Slutzker to give him a call regarding one of his patients who is also Steve's client.  Additionally, topics of discussion for the roundtable this week are Burger King, the measles, Christine Baker, and the situation in Venezuela. Plus, John Scalia from Munich Germany talking about the differences between communism and socialism and capitalism.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve and the guys talk about relevant issues for your employees, employers and independent contractors. In addition to the new Uber IPO and the following lift stock price, as well as whether or not their drivers are employees or independent contractors. Additionally we also talk about measles and whether or not it is a national emergency. Gavin Newsom wants to remove taxes on diapers and menstrual products. Schools are understaffed with not enough nurses, and too many people are always texting and driving.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve, Marc, Mike and Ted talk about Gavin Newsom and the new budget, as well as the new worker's compensation case regarding catastrophic injuries. Abortion, the Middle East, the continuing opioid crisis, and what the federal communications commission is doing about autonomous cars will also be discussed. Plus, John Scalia will join from Munich Germany.

Overview:

Whether you are an employer, claims examiner, medical provider or attorney, this program will provide you with a clear understanding and practical approach of how the MTUS and Formulary to avoid treatment denials and to expedite treatment and avoid UR & IMR denials.


Program Learning Outcomes:

Upon successful completition of this program, the student will be able to:

• Define the MTUS & Formulary
• Identify the MTUS (ACOEM) Chronic Pain Guideline
• Write reports to avoid denials
• Recognize REED MDGuidelines

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructors:

Dr. Steven Feinberg, MD - Feinberg Medical Group
Lucy Shannon, Director of Editorial Research and Development - Reed Group
Joe Guerriero, Senior Vice President - Reed Group MDGuidelines Division

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve is celebrating his birthday in Las Vegas. Therefore, it’s up to Robert Mike and Marc to discuss the warriors who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom‘s. The guys also talk about the recent abortion controversy in addition to news of the week for employees, employers, and independent contractors, in addition to John Scalia from Munich German.

This week on Work Comp Matters, Steve and the guys talk about the Quest Diagnostic data breach that affects almost 12,000,000 people. Additionally, the guys report on the Work Comp Central story involving California suing Purdue Pharma, bullet train monkey business, the status of toxic coffee, 4000 employees of Kaiser about to go on strike, in addition to the homeless count in California going up. Plus, the madman across the water John Scalia in Munich, Germany.

Overview:

This webinar provides a guide to handling cases of serious and willful misconduct of employers. Examining various reviews and practice hints, Frank Christine III, Esq. will offer a review of the Labor Code, recent cases, and practice pointers to hone in a legal skill set.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Define serious and willful misconduct
• Differentiate specific and CT injury claims
• Discovery
• Analyze relevant case law
• Appraise penalty assessment

Credits: 

This course qualifies for "Participatory" educational credit hours in California.

Instructor:

Frank Christine III, Esq., Tobin Lucks

Course Description:

This 3-part series instructed by experienced workers’ compensation attorney and former WCAB Judge Clint Feddersen is designed to prepare attorneys to become California Certified Legal Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law.

Learning Objectives:

This test preparation training will provide a quick but comprehensive review of all areas of workers' compensation law that may be on the specialist certification exam, including:

Part 1:

Overview:

Hon. Clint Feddersen designed this course to prepare experienced workers' compensation attorneys to become California Certified Legal Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This test preparation training series will provide a review of the following topics that may be on the examination:

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Remedies and Defenses
• Time for Direct Q&A

Instructor:

Hon. Clint Feddersen - Workers' Compensation Judge - Van Nuys WCAB

Overview:

This 3-part series instructed by Hon. Clint Feddersen is designed to prepare experienced workers' compensation attorneys to become California Certified Legal Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This test preparation training will provide a quick but comprehensive review of all areas of workers' compensation law that may be on the examination, including:

• Ethics and Professional Responsibility
• Remedies and Defenses
• Practice Procedures
• Medical Issues
• Disability Evaluation and Apportionment
• Test strategies will also be provided

Instructor:

Hon. Clint Feddersen - Workers' Compensation Judge - Van Nuys WCAB

Overview:

Hon. Clint Feddersen designed this course to prepare experienced workers' compensation attorneys to become California Certified Legal Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This test preparation training series will provide a review of the following topics that may be on the examination:

• Practice and Procedures
• Medical Issues
• Time for Direct Q&A

Instructor:

Hon. Clint Feddersen - Workers' Compensation Judge - Van Nuys WCAB

Overview:

Hon. Clint Feddersen designed this course to prepare experienced workers' compensation attorneys to become California Certified Legal Specialists in Workers' Compensation Law.

Program Learning Outcomes:

This test preparation training series will provide a review of the following topics that may be on the examination:

• Disability Evaluation and Apportionment
• Summary and Test Strategies
• Time for Direct Q&A

Instructor:

Hon. Clint Feddersen - Workers' Compensation Judge - Van Nuys WCAB

Overview:

Join Judges Myrle Petty and Robert Hill as they discuss vital liens updates for the entire spectrum of Work Comp professionals. Law, procedure and important changes will be covered in detail. This annual event will provide the specialty tools needed for success. 

Program Learning Topics:

Upon completion of this program, students will have a better understanding on varius topics, including:

• Cost pettions under Labor Code Section 5811
• Interpreter Issues
• IBR Petitions
• Non-IBR Petitions
• Special topics
• Copy Service liens
• Labor Code Section 4615 stays
• Declarations-requirements and validity
• Trial preparation, burden of proof and trial pointers
• Sanctions

Overview:

Learn about significant new case law in 2019, including a stimulating analysis of what you need to know and how to apply them in your workers' compensation practice.

Program Learning Outcomes:

• Updated knowledge of case law in 2019.
• Providing underutilized strategies to implement in everyone's law practice.
• Improving your workers' compensation practice and procedures.

Instructors:

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Course Overview:

The property and casualty insurance industry traditionally lags when adopting new technologies. Most of us joke about it on convention room floors and during happy hours, but in recent years, technology and the concept of digital transformation has accelerated at an incredible pace. It is resonating through almost every aspect of the claims journey by way of technology-enabled apps, cloud technology, rapid advancements in clinical and operational systems, staffing, and overall culture. In this webinar, we will review some of the technological advancements that are transforming the property and casualty insurance industry.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this webinar session, participants will be able to:

1. Conceptualize 5G and understand its benefits.
2. Define artificial intelligence and provide examples of usage.
3. Explain delivery platform requirements and identify popular platforms.
4. Define IoT devices and list some of the data captured using said devices.
5. Classify AI-Powered Platforms that do not require specialized equipment.
6. Discuss EHS Apps and some of their uses
7. Understand how AI drives predictive analytics and what the discipline strives to achieve.

Instructors:
 
 Nikki Jackson
 Zack Craft
 Dr. Claire Muselman
 Melora Copeland

Level 1

Prerequisite for Advanced Certification.

About the Program:
WorkCompCentral is pleased to announce two levels of workers’ compensation certification programs for Hearing and Lien Representatives. These certifications, which will be recognized industry wide, have been created and are being administered by WorkCompCentral. These certifications are California specific.

Why Become Certified:
The training that we provide is comprehensive and systematic. After receiving the Hearing and Lien Representative Certifications, you will have a firm grasp and advanced understating of expectations, duties, and requirements of being a highly skilled workers’ compensation professional. Graduates will be able to effectively handle all types of cases in a professional, competent, and confident manner.

What to Expect:
Topics include general background and introductory information about workers’ compensation issues, including statutes and laws that govern the industry. You will be exposed to an extensive background and given specific details on what is required of a Hearing or Lien Representative, including litigation skills, recent case law, and a robust education in lien litigation.

Other Benefits:

WorkCompCentral will prominently display the names of all industry professionals who have earned a Hearing Representative or Lien Representative Certification. This will help potential employers identify those in the industry who have received extensive training.

Maintaining Certification:
To  maintain your certification status and be featured on our website, WorkCompCentral requires individuals to complete 12 hours of continuing education per year. WorkCompCentral will monitor and keep track of certification renewal dates and issue notices informing the individual of their anniversary date. Topics can be selected from our online or live catalog.

Topics Covered (59 Credit Hours):

General Workers’ Compensation Overview and Background (14 Credits) 
- Introduction to the CA Work Comp System, 6 Credits
- Workers' Comp QuickStart Guide: Basics, History, Terms, Benefits, SJDB, 3 Credits
- Workers' Comp QuickStart Guide: Threshold Issues, 5 Credits

Hearing Representative Training (11 Credits)
- Framework Required for a Concrete Hearing Rep Foundation, 5 Credits 
- Hearing and Lien Representative Fundamentals, 6 Credits

Lien Education (12 Credits)
- Lien Litigation: What You Need to Know in 2016, 6 Credits
- Annual Liens Update, 6 Credits

Med Legal Issues (4 Credits)
- Medical Information Every Lawyer and Judge Should Know, 4 Credits

Rating Instruction (6 Credits)
- 20201 Annual Rating Event, 4 Credits

Litigation Skills Training (12 Credits)
- Litigation Skills: Pre-Trial, Evidence and Depositions - Part (1/2), 6 Credits
- Litigation Skills: Conference, Trial and Post-Trial - Part (2/2), 6 Credits