WCRI: Medical Provider Networks Tied to Lower Comp Costs, Faster Care

Medical provider networks in workers' compensation are associated with significantly lower claim costs, faster access to care and shorter disability durations, according to a report released Tuesday by the Workers Compensation Research Institute. The study found that claims treated within networks had 26% lower total costs — about $11,800 less per claim — compared with out-of-network claims at 36 months of maturity. Medical payments alone were 27% lower, or roughly $3,500 per claim, at 12 months. Researchers also found that injured workers receiving in-network care accessed t...