Louise Esola: Medical provider networks are increasingly shaping how care is delivered, how disputes are avoided and how quickly injured employees recover in addition to reducing costs in workers compensation systems, according to industry experts.

A study released this month by the Waltham, Massachusetts-based Workers Compensation Research Institute found that claims treated within networks had 26% lower total costs, faster access to care and shorter disability durations than out-of-network claims.

The findings reinforce long-held views that networks can control medical spending but also point to deeper drivers behind those results.

Read the full article here.  The WCRI report she discusses is Impact of Networks on Claim Outcomes.  Visit its page on our website for more information, including details on how to download a copy!