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Workers Comp Innovators At NWCDC – One Astounding Company

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Workers Comp Innovators At The NWCDC

Almost all of the workers comp innovators at the NWCDC (National Workers Comp and Disability Conference) in Las Vegas were the exhibitors.   Three years ago, I visited every booth, and found basically zero innovation.  Exogen  had the most innovative product.  Yes, a bone stimulator was the most innovative product or service.

clip art with bulb workers comp innovators black back ground
(c)123rf.com

Last year, as this year, the innovators seemed to recognize that WC can be a major market for their products.   The innovation was not from the WC industry itself.  The innovative vendors were actually from outside of the insurance world.

The companies that were seen as innovative last year were Proove Pharmaceuticals and Thermazone.

The sessions this year were very good overall.  I could not find one that actually covered an innovative product or service.   The sessions on Oklahoma’s opt out program would have been the closest for my search.

The vendor area access times were quite different than in years past.  I was able to visit some of the displays/booths to find any workers comp innovators.

The gentleman at the Thermazone booth was quite informative.   See the above link for more information.

There was also a vendor that provided a mousepad keyboard for injured employees.  However,  they were supposed to ship me one to test- which I would have sent back – that did not arrive last year.  I left my card with the booth this year.

Advanced Arm Dynamics  was amazing.

From the company’s website –

clipart of four bulb workers comp innovators Big Idea
(c) 123rf.com

Advances in technology, materials and design are the momentum behind the newest generation of upper extremity prostheses. We work with manufacturers all over the world to help design, test and improve new products. Recent tech trends include: multi-articulating hands with specialized grasp patterns; custom electric digits for finger amputees; custom fabricated silicone interfaces that accelerate comfort; and innovative surgical techniques that may significantly improve a person’s ability to use a prosthesis. New technologies present an increasingly brighter future for people who rely on upper extremity prosthetics.

I will add in more cutting edge companies from the conference later this week or next week.

The WC industry has always lagged behind in technology.   I must admit that I am also behind in certain tech areas.   I actually tried Uber for the first time in Vegas.   Now, that is an innovative service.   OK, stop laughing.

The official charity from the 2015 NWCDC was Kids Chance.  It is a worthy cause.  Someone gave me a Kids Chance pin that I had worn during  the entire conference.

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James J Moore - Workers Comp Expert

Raleigh, NC, United States

About The Author...

James founded a Workers’ Compensation consulting firm, J&L Risk Management Consultants, Inc. in 1996. J&L’s mission is to reduce our clients’ Workers Compensation premiums by using time-tested techniques. J&L’s claims, premium, reserve and Experience Mod reviews have saved employers over $9.8 million in earned premiums over the last three years. J&L has saved numerous companies from bankruptcy proceedings as a result of insurance overpayments.

James has over 27 years of experience in insurance claims, audit, and underwriting, specializing in Workers’ Compensation. He has supervised, and managed the administration of Workers’ Compensation claims, and underwriting in over 45 states. His professional experience includes being the Director of Risk Management for the North Carolina School Boards Association. He created a very successful Workers’ Compensation Injury Rehabilitation Unit for school personnel.

James’s educational background, which centered on computer technology, culminated in earning a Masters of Business Administration (MBA); an Associate in Claims designation (AIC); and an Associate in Risk Management designation (ARM). He is a Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) and a licensed financial advisor. The NC Department of Insurance has certified him as an insurance instructor. He also possesses a Bachelors’ Degree in Actuarial Science.

LexisNexis has twice recognized his blog as one of the Top 25 Blogs on Workers’ Compensation. J&L has been listed in AM Best’s Preferred Providers Directory for Insurance Experts – Workers Compensation for over eight years. He recently won the prestigious Baucom Shine Lifetime Achievement Award for his volunteer contributions to the area of risk management and safety. James was recently named as an instructor for the prestigious Insurance Academy.

James is on the Board of Directors and Treasurer of the North Carolina Mid-State Safety Council. He has published two manuals on Workers’ Compensation and three different claims processing manuals. He has also written and has been quoted in numerous articles on reducing Workers’ Compensation costs for public and private employers. James publishes a weekly newsletter with 7,000 readers.

He currently possess press credentials and am invited to various national Workers Compensation conferences as a reporter.

James’s articles or interviews on Workers’ Compensation have appeared in the following publications or websites:

  • Risk and Insurance Management Society (RIMS)
  • Entrepreneur Magazine
  • Bloomberg Business News
  • WorkCompCentral.com
  • Claims Magazine
  • Risk & Insurance Magazine
  • Insurance Journal
  • Workers Compensation.com
  • LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other social media sites
  • Various trade publications

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