MEC Connect

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke interview MEC’s Sherrie Murray about the challenges of "migratory claims"—claims involving injuries that start simple but spiral into complex cases involving endless treatments and prescriptions. In this episode, we explain MEC’s approach to these thorny claims, focusing on appropriateness of care, prescription issues, and ultimately settling cases.

Discussion Points:

Nature of Migratory Claims: Common types of injuries in migratory claims, particularly involving the spine.

Challenges of Migratory Claims: The medical, psychological, and employment-related challenges faced in these claims.

MEC's Approach to Migratory Claims: 

• Team of experts including medical management consultants and claims attorneys.
• Deep dive into claimant's current treatment, prescription complexities, and cost-effective settlement strategies.
• Importance of pre-MSA product evaluation and Medicare considerations.

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In our final episode of Season 1, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke speak with Geoff Jones, Senior Claims Attorney at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC) about resolution of catastrophic claims.

Topics covered include:

• If and when a catastrophic claim can be settled.
• Situations where a settlement is not possible or recommended.  
• Considerations for indemnity or medical only settlements.
• The people involved in resolution of a catastrophic claim.
• How Medicare Set-Aside trusts affect settlement.

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In episode 8, Kelly Loos, Senior National Catastrophic Claims Analyst at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC), teams up with Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke for a conversation about claim management once an injured employee has achieved medical stability.

Topics covered include:

• Factors that need to be addressed before a CAT claim can be considered stable.
• Who is involved with following a catastrophic claim over the long term.  
• How to reserve for a claim – both initially and after the claim is stable. 

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In episode 7, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome back Phyllis Ramondetta, Senior National Catastrophic Medical Consultant at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC).  They will discuss the factors involved for an injured employee to achieve the goal of returning home after a catastrophic injury.

Topics covered include:

• Services and modifications that need to be in place before the employee’s return home.  
• How MEC helps facilitate a smooth and successful transition for the employee and their family. 
• Options for attendant care, if required.
• The advantages of returning home versus long-term facility care.

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In episode 6, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome Phyllis Ramondetta, Senior National Catastrophic Medical Consultant at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC), for a discussion on what to expect after the acute phase of a catastrophic injury.

Topics covered include:

• Types of rehabilitation options available after hospital discharge.
• Injuries that benefit from post-acute rehabilitation programs.
• Characteristics of an effective rehabilitation program.
• Considerations for reaching an individual’s best possible outcome.

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In episode 5, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome back Midwest Employers Casualty’s (MEC) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fernando Branco.  The three discuss the significant role Centers of Excellence (COE) play in the rehabilitation of catastrophically injured employees.

Topics covered include:

• Explain why MEC may recommend a COE for the treatment of a catastrophically injured employee.
• Differentiating COEs from other centers and how to choose the appropriate COE. 
• Measuring treatment outcomes at a COE
• The COE’s process and level of communication prior to admission, treatment, and discharge.
• Determining fair pricing.

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In this installment of MEC Connect, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke chat with Midwest Employers Casualty’s (MEC) Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fernando Branco.  Dr. Branco addresses the importance of proper medical treatment to achieve the best outcome for the injured employee. Topics discussed include:

• Initial steps of a successful catastrophic medical care plan.
• Trauma center classifications.
• The importance of investing in quality care.
• Treatment considerations.
• What constitutes a good outcome for a trauma center. 

Learn more about CAT Claims here: https://mecasualty.com/claims-admin/cat-claim.

For inquiries about MEC Connect, email [email protected].

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In Episode 3, Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome Dan Dalton Chief Claims and Regulatory Counsel at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC).  Dan addresses the benefits of having a lawyer involved in catastrophic (CAT) claim investigations.  

Topics covered include:

• Necessity of attorney retention and involvement on day one in catastrophic losses. 
• The “grand bargain” of the no-fault system of workers’ compensation.
• Overview of third-party liability and subrogation.
• The methodology and importance of a thorough claim investigation to a successful outcome.

Learn more about CAT Claims here: https://mecasualty.com/claims-admin/cat-claim.

For inquiries about MEC Connect, email [email protected]

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Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome back Courtney Waltz, Senior National Catastrophic Claim Analyst at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC), to continue their discussion about MEC’s unique approach to CAT claims management.  

Topics covered include:

• Why the right team matters.
• How MEC has utilized technology to enhance the CAT claims round table process.
• The importance of communication to enhance the quality of care.
• How MEC makes a difference.

Learn more about CAT Claims here: https://mecasualty.com/claims-admin/cat-claim.

For inquiries about MEC Connect, email [email protected].

Send us a text and let us know what you think!

Welcome to the first episode of MEC Connect! Special guest Courtney Waltz, Senior National Catastrophic Claim Analyst at Midwest Employers Casualty (MEC), joins cohosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke for the first in a series of discussions about catastrophic (CAT) workers’ compensation claims.

Topics covered include:

·         How the MEC dedicated CAT Claims team defines CAT claims 

·         Who makes up the CAT Claims team

·         The  initial reporting process for these types of claims

·         Why immediate action for CAT claims is critical to helping achieve better results

Learn more about CAT Claims here: https://mecasualty.com/claims-admin/cat-claim.

For inquiries about MEC Connect, email [email protected].

Send us a text and let us know what you think!