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.
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 –
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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