The 2023 Annual Workers’ Compensation Institute (WCI) Educational Conference had a fantastic turnout of industry professionals. Taking place August 20-23 at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Florida, Paradigm was excited to return and exhibit at WCI as an Elite Sponsor. Over the course of four days, we participated in thought-provoking panels, shared insights on improved outcomes on WCI-TV, and fostered relationships with like-minded organizations to drive positive change in the industry and for those we serve.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by the Paradigm booth, as well as those whom we interacted with at the many events and sessions held throughout the conference. It’s always a pleasure to reconnect with so many partners and colleagues.

Pre-conference events and partnerships
Each year, the week kicks off on Saturday with a Gala to support Give Kids The World Village (GKTW). This year marks the 10^th anniversary of WCI’s unwavering support for GKTW, and we were pleased to support the Gala once again as a Princess Lolly Sponsor. On Sunday, Paradigm also sponsored and volunteered at the third annual Kids’ Chance of Florida Golf Tournament, an organization that holds deep significance for us.

WCI-TV: Paradigm leaders highlighted our optimal outcomes and client value delivery
During the conference, members of the Paradigm senior leadership team appeared on WCI-TV to share critical insights on our organization’s suite of products and services:

• On Monday, Jim Frerking, Vice President of Sales, Clinical Solutions, Paradigm, spoke about the uncertainty catastrophic and severe workplace injuries can bring to the injured workers, families, and businesses they affect—including organizations with high-performing claims programs. He discussed the flexibility of Paradigm’s HERO Catastrophic^SM Outcome Plans, and how they have been supporting diverse client needs in order to provide certainty for catastrophic and severe cases for more than 30 years. Jim explained our individualized approach to coordinating care with our team of Network Managers who have undergone advanced, injury-specific, multiphase training for catastrophic care. In addition to our team of Network Managers, one of our specialized Medical Directors is matched to each worker’s injuries to ensure comprehensive and consistent care. Jim also reiterated our core mission of partnering with payers and providers to achieve the very best outcomes for injured workers and their families.
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• On Tuesday, Jon Leicht, Chief Sales Officer of Specialty Networks & Clinical Solutions, Paradigm, and David Lupinsky, Vice President of Clinical Product Solutions, Paradigm, spoke about our HERO MSK℠ product. They addressed the gaps in the industry when handling musculoskeletal injuries and how our value-based care approach can solve clinical and financial challenges to achieve better outcomes for all. David and Jon explained how we’re able to leverage our proven, patient-centric, outcomes-focused catastrophic model to make HERO MSK℠ the first true, value-based solution for musculoskeletal injuries in workers’ compensation. They described how our MSK condition-specific clinical management, quality orthopedic network, and prescriptive analytics will be integrated into the solution to improve functional outcomes while reducing duration of disability and indemnity. 
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Exploring the importance of value-based care
On Monday, Dr. Michael Choo, Chief Medical Officer, Workers’ Compensation, Paradigm, joined Dr. Josh Schuette, Executive Director of National Workers’ Compensation Sales & Account Management, and Dr. Robert McIver, Director of Clinical Technology, from Brooks Rehabilitation for a panel on value-based, outcome-driven care in workers’ compensation.

The session, “Fortune Favors the Bold: Utilizing Value-Based Care in Workers’ Compensation,” explored the definition of value-based care as achieving the best health outcomes for the money spent on care—and specifics on how Brooks Rehabilitation’s implementation of a value-based, outcome-driven contract achieved exceptional outcomes for injured workers.

All three speakers explained the potential of value-based care to successfully link how providers are reimbursed to the attainment of specific outcomes. Their innovative strategy resulted in a win for the care management company, a win for the providers, and most importantly, a win for injured workers.

Understanding why interdisciplinary communication is essential
On Tuesday, Shannon Ford, Senior Vice President of Case Management, Paradigm, joined Teddy Gonzalez, Vice President, Field Case Managers, Inc., Dr. Steven Weber, Physician, Orlando Orthopedic Center, and Nick Coe, Claims Manager, Michels Corporation, to discuss the importance of interdisciplinary communication in achieving the best possible outcomes for injured workers.

Too often, navigating the workers’ compensation system after a workplace injury is an isolating and fragmented experience that results in patient dissatisfaction, disengagement, and a prolonged recovery process. In this panel, “Improving Interdisciplinary Communication for Better Outcomes,” Shannon and the team discussed the critical role that seamless communication among all parties involved in a case plays in executing care plans to achieve optimal outcomes—including the unique role that each participant plays to ensure effective collaboration.

The Hidden Truths about Surgical Implant Costs
On Monday, CJ Daly, Vice President of Surgical Implant Services, Paradigm, hosted a very successful 30-minute “Meet the Expert” Q&A. This informative discussion provided an opportunity to learn firsthand about our revolutionary Surgical Implant Cost Management solution. The attendees were able to ask questions to better understand Why Dedicated Surgical Implant Review Is a ‘Must Have for Payers’ and how we can bring pricing objectivity, transparency, and substantial savings to their workers’ compensation program. If you couldn’t join us in person, reach out to coordinate your own education session.

Banishing burnout in the workplace
As the conference wrapped up on Wednesday, Paradigm team members also attended “Banishing Burnout,” an empowering and insightful leadership workshop held by the Alliance of Women in Workers’ Compensation (AWWC). As a national AWWC sponsor, Paradigm heartily supports this industry association, which tackled two of the top issues organizations are facing today: employee stress and burnout. The session’s speakers shared their own insights, tips, and stories on how to balance stress and success, personally and within their organizations.

Thank you again to everyone who visited our booth and engaged with us throughout the conference. Stay tuned as we look forward to sponsoring and participating at the upcoming National Comp conference in Las Vegas. If you’re attending, be sure to mark your calendar for our two sessions, “The Blindside of AI and the Transparency of Working Together” with Elizabeth Lowry and David Lupinsky and “Co-Morbid Mental Health Conditions Put Recovery at Risk: Look Past the Primary Diagnosis” with Kathy Galia. Click to learn more about our participation.