Shows
ADJUSTEDUnlocking Recovery: Behavioral Science as the Game Changer in Workers’ Comp NeurorehabilitationWhat if the secret to successful return-to-work for brain and spinal injury claimants lies not only in physical recovery, but in how we understand—and change—behavior? At Craig Hospital, Board Certified Behavior Analyst Arielle Reindeau reveals a pioneering model where behavioral science drives better therapy participation, faster progress, and ultimately, greater independence.Learn why insurers and agents increasingly see the value in specialized rehabilitation centers that treat behaviors as modifiable variables—not fixed obstacles. Through remarkable case studies, you’ll hear how Craig Hospital blends intensive medical care, neuropsychology, family guidance, and data-driven behavioral interventions to overcome...
2025-09-1537 min
MEC ConnectPTSD Diagnosis DilemmaPost-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) has undergone significant evolution in both understanding and diagnosis over the past century. In our new MEC Connect Expert Insights episode, “PTSD Diagnosis Dilemma,” our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fernando Branco, provides a comprehensive overview of PTSD, its progression in medical understanding, and why it is becoming overdiagnosed in modern practice. Dr. Branco challenges listeners to recognize the critical distinction between Acute Traumatic Stress Disorder – a standard, time-limited response to abnormal events – and true PTSD, which persists beyond six months and manifests through specific symptoms that are often misunderstood. He also u...
2025-08-1111 minMEC ConnectUnderstanding Burn Injuries in the WorkplaceBurns represent one of the most devastating workplace injuries, with treatment costs potentially reaching millions of dollars and recovery periods extending for months or even years. Diving deep into the world of severe burn injuries, this episode, “Understanding Burn Injuries in the Workplace,” MEC’s Senior National Catastrophic Medical Consultant Phyllis Ramondetta unveils the staggering reality behind workplace burns. The financial toll alone is eye-opening - from $207,000 for moderate burns to a jaw-dropping $10 million for severe cases with complications. Understanding burn severity is crucial for appropriate treatment planning. With 63% of workplace burns involving thermal or scaldin...
2025-07-2810 minMEC ConnectRancho Los Amigos Scale: Roadmap for Brain Injury RecoveryUnderstanding brain injuries can be overwhelming for patients, families, and caregivers alike because every brain injury follows a different recovery path. In this episode, “Rancho Los Amigos Scale: Roadmap for Brain Injury Recovery,” Tracie Lemus, RN, CCM, National Medical Catastrophic Nurse Consultant at MEC, breaks down the vital tool that healthcare professionals use to track cognitive and behavioral rehabilitation after brain trauma.Tracie shares her perspective about how the Rancho Los Amigos Scale helps monitor recovery progress, determine appropriate treatment plans and timing, and facilitate coordination among the various specialists involved in a patient's care jour...
2025-07-1410 minMEC ConnectThe Glasgow Coma Scale: Setting the Bar for Brain Injury EvaluationThe Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) is one of medicine's most critical assessment tools for traumatic brain injuries. In this episode, “The Glasgow Coma Scale: Setting the Bar for Brain Injury Evaluation," MEC’s Peggy Ford, a Senior National Medical Catastrophe Consultant with over 30 years of experience, provides essential knowledge about how the GCS measures brain injury severity.Peggy offers valuable insights into this evaluation method, which has become the cornerstone of neurological tests worldwide in emergency settings. It includes a scoring system that allows medical professionals to quickly categorize the severity of brain injuries and make...
2025-06-3007 minMEC ConnectDemystifying Medicare Set-Asides in Workers CompMedicare Set-Asides (MSAs) represent a critical factor in the workers compensation settlement landscape, yet they remain widely misunderstood by many professionals in the industry. In this Expert Insights episode, "Demystifying Medicare Set-Asides in Workers Comp," MEC’s Medical Management Consultant, Tina D’Andrea, unpacks how a properly executed MSA ensures compliance with Medicare requirements and provides clarity and protection for all parties involved in the settlement process.Tina shares insights about fundamental components of MSAs—from threshold requirements to submission procedures to review and appeal options— to help claims professionals better understand and navigate...
2025-06-1608 minMEC ConnectThe Powerful Impact of Drug Screening on Claims ManagementUrine drug screens have become an essential component in the landscape of workers comp claims management. In this Expert Insights episode, "The Powerful Impact of Drug Screening on Claims Management," MEC’s Medical Management Consultant, Jeff Pack, RN, BSN, provides his unique perspective on how these tests serve multiple purposes throughout the lifecycle of a claim and can significantly impact treatment decisions, safety protocols, and claim outcomes. Jeff breaks down the science behind drug testing methodologies and the way these approaches function as safety tools across various industries. This includes pre-employment screening, workplace acc...
2025-06-0208 minMEC ConnectBeyond Pain and Addiction: The Triple DiagnosisThe medical field has long recognized the complex intersection of chronic pain and addiction, but a critical third component is often overlooked. In this MEC Connect Expert Insights episode, “Beyond Pain and Addiction: The Triple Diagnosis,” our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Fernando Branco, shares his approach to treating patients beyond the traditional pain-addiction model.Dr. Branco discusses the framework of "triple diagnosis" in pain medicine. His decades of experience revealed that addressing underlying psychiatric conditions alongside pain and substance use disorders is critical for successful treatment outcomes. He offers expert insights into:The...
2025-05-1906 minMEC ConnectUnsung Heroes: Spotlight on Nurse Case ManagersIn this MEC Connect Expert Insights episode, “Unsung Heroes: Spotlight on Nurse Case Managers,” MEC’s Medical Management Consultant Dana Dorsey explains how nurse case managers serve as the critical bridge between injured workers and successful recovery.Based on two decades of experience in the field, Dana shares insights about how Nurse Case Managers play a vital role in facilitating collaboration between injured workers, employers, healthcare providers, and insurance carriers. This includes:Conducting comprehensive evaluations to identify recovery barriersFormulating action plans to overcome them and develop return-to-work strategies.Mitigating attorney involvement through consis...
2025-05-0506 minADJUSTEDLife After Catastrophic Injury: A Tribute to Steve EhretsmanIn this heartfelt episode of "Adjusted," we explore life after catastrophic injury with Julie Greer, Senior Catastrophic Claims Specialist at Berkley Industrial Comp, and Steve Ehretsman, the late founder of Shamrock Prosthetics. When Steve lost his leg following a workplace accident, he identified a critical gap in the recovery process: the lack of coaching for the mental and physical challenges of adapting to life as an amputee. This experience, combined with his coaching background, inspired him to establish Shamrock Prosthetics, where his team adopts a unique approach to supporting amputees.Julie and Steve share their insights on...
2025-04-2834 minMEC ConnectCategorizing Spinal Cord Injuries with Peggy FordIn this episode, MEC’s Senior National Medical Catastrophic Consultant Peggy Ford unpacks the complex world of the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale. Peggy breaks down this essential clinical tool that standardizes how healthcare professionals evaluate and communicate about spinal cord injuries. This includes:The three crucial components of the ASIA scale The scoring system for sensation Categories for measuring muscle strength Insights into how clinicians map injury severity The five grade classifications for the assessment tool How classifications drive treatment decisions, rehabilitation strategies, and recovery expectations. Listen now to understand the language that shapes spinal c...
2025-04-2108 minMEC ConnectNavigating the Journey of Amputation CasesAmputations are among the most challenging cases in workers' compensation. In this Expert Insights episode, MEC’s Senior National Catastrophic Medical Consultant Phyllis Ramondetta provides excellent insights into this complex topic that affects thousands of workers annually.Phyllis shares expert commentary based on over 20 years of experience as a catastrophic nurse case manager. This includes:How trauma accounts for 44% of all work-related amputations, typically in high-risk environments.How prosthetists collaborate with medical teams to find the right solution. The multi-faceted recovery process following an amputation.The psychological impact of an amputation. Whether you are managing amputation clai...
2025-04-0708 minMEC ConnectDecoding Complex Regional Pain SyndromeIn this episode, Dr. Fernando Branco, MEC AVP of Claims and Chief Medical Officer, tackles the multifaceted world of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) by drawing on decades of specialized experience in physical medicine, rehabilitation, pain management, and addiction medicine.Dr. Branco provides valuable insights about: How this complex diagnosis can create significant physical and emotional stress for patients.Why a proper CRPS diagnosis requires careful assessment of specific symptoms across three key categories: sensory system, vasomotor activity (blood flow) and sudomotor function (sweat glands). Diagnostic criteria to help distinguish true CRPS from other pain conditions.The...
2025-03-2407 minMEC ConnectManaging Spinal Cord Injuries with Tracie LemusIn this episode, Tracie Lemus, RN, CCM, MSCC, National Catastrophic Nurse Consultant at Midwest Employers Casualty, highlights critical care strategies and rehabilitation insights for better recovery outcomes for spinal cord injuries. Tracie provides invaluable knowledge on injury types, common complications, and the importance of comprehensive treatment. Topics covered include:Understanding spinal cord injury demographics and causes The importance of immediate care and specialized centers Complications and their management The role of rehabilitation in recovery Transitioning home and ongoing support needs Impact of vocational rehabilitation on independence Send us a text and let us know what you thi
2025-03-1008 minADJUSTED100th Episode!In this very special episode of ADJUSTED we are celebrating hitting 100 episodes! Greg discusses the history of the show and the work that goes into producing an episode. Mike Gilmartin and Matthew Yehling discuss what it is like co-hosting and some of their favorite moments from the show. Also joining the celebration are a number of guests who sent their congratulations on hitting this milestone! Season 8 is brought to you by Berkley Industrial Comp. This episode is hosted by Greg Hamlin. Visit the Berkley Industrial Comp blog for more!Got questions? Send them to...
2024-11-1146 min