Networks Shift From Cost Tool to Care Driver in Workers' Comp

Medical provider networks are increasingly shaping how care is delivered, how disputes are avoided and how quickly injured employees recover, in addition to reducing costs in workers' compensation systems, according to industry experts. A study released this month by Waltham, Massachusetts-based Workers Compensation Research Institute found that claims treated within networks had 26% lower total costs, faster access to care and shorter disability durations than out-of-network claims. The findings reinforce long-held views that networks can control medical spending but also point to deepe...