MEC Connect Midwest Employers Casualty

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty—Reinecke are joined by Gina Holt, former Client Consultant Manager and current ISI Underwriter at MEC, to discuss how MEC collaborates with clients and TPAs to mitigate costs on complex, potentially excess-level workers compensation claims. Gina shares insights on MEC's hybrid role, early intervention strategies, and leveraging internal resources to improve claim outcomes. Discussion Points:Early Intervention and Collaboration: Gina emphasizes the impor...

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke are joined by Marianne Reed, Senior Claims Analyst at MEC, to discuss strategies for containing and mitigating costs in complex workers compensation claims. Marianne shares her expertise on identifying cost drivers, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing targeted interventions to improve outcomes and reduce expenses.Discussion Points:Cost Drivers in Complex Claims: Marianne outlines the medical treatments that tend to be the biggest cost driver...

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke sit down with Dr. Fernando Branco, MEC's Chief Medical Officer, to discuss Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). Dr. Branco shares his expertise on these challenging diagnoses, explaining how they can develop from seemingly minor injuries and the difficulties in accurately diagnosing and treating these conditions.Discussion Points:Sprains and Strains Progressing to CRPS/RSD: Dr. Branco explains that it's common for ...

This episode features guest Tina D'Andrea discussing the critical topic of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the workplace. With over 25 years of experience in workers compensation, Tina offers deep insights into the symptoms, diagnosis, and effective treatment of PTSD, particularly among professions with high public interaction like first responders, medical personnel, and teachers.Discussion Points:Understanding and Diagnosing PTSD: Tina defines PTSD and outlines its common symptoms,...

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke are joined by Jeff Pack, a Medical Management Consultant at MEC, to discuss failed back syndrome. Jeff shares his experience dealing with complex back injury claims that often start as sprains or strains but can lead to multiple surgeries and the diagnosis of failed back syndrome. The episode explores common trends in these cases, potential interventions, and advice for managing claims involving failed back syndrome.Discussion Points:Sprains and Strains L...

Hosts Matt Yehling and Patty Reinecke welcome Dana Dorsey from MEC's Medical Management Unit to discuss sprains and strains. Dana, with her extensive background in field case management, dives into the definitions, treatments, and prevention of these injuries, highlighting how they can lead to complex claims if not managed properly from the outset. The episode focuses on practical advice for both employers and employees to handle and prevent these injuries effectively.Discussion Points:Defini...