Workers Compensation Industry – Lags in Tech
The Workers Compensation industry seems to be very far behind in any type of technological advancement. Last year, I decided to explore what Android Apps were available for the Workers Compensation industry. Six months ago, the same search was repeated in the Google Play Store.
Each year, only one app was usable. Most apps were advertising by mainly attorney firms. The usable app was provided by Sedgwick.
Many companies have approached me concerning apps provided to their clients. I usually then ask why is it not available on the App stores. Having an app on one of the stores is a great marketing angle. (see Sedgwick above) Some of the providers allowed access to their apps. Most fell well short of my expectations.
I often provide telephonic advice to investment companies exploring WC companies including ancillary service providers, Third Party Administrators, carriers, etc.
One of the major factors mentioned by me is how far behind the Workers Compensation industry is when compared to:
- Other lines of Property and Casualty insurance
- Health insurance
- Banking
- Investment Services
Many investment advisers are very knowledgeable concerning health insurance but not necessarily WC. When I compare WC to health, I always mention to subtract 10 -15 years and that is where WC is on the technology timeline.
One would not expect a WC provider to apply for a drone license. However, basic access to claims on a smartphone would be a great improvement.
If there are any WC companies that have a great app or a new technology, please feel free to contact me. The technological advancement does not have to be an app. This is one advancement that will be at the forefront soon.
As a side note, I was a former computer systems engineer and programmer for a number of years before my foray into the Workers Compensation industry.
I will check on any new apps in the Android App store in the coming weeks. If there is something of interest, it will appear on this blog post haste.
Technological advancement in the WC industry appeared at the NWCDC Conference in Las Vegas last year. However, these organizations were not directly related to WC.
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