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| Overview |
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Oregon has experienced significant success in the past several years in controlling workers compensation costs. As a result, Oregon's
employers have not seen an increase in premium in the past 16 years. Recent trends, however, indicate that medical costs are becoming an increasing portion of workers compensation costs:
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Total claim counts are decreasing
by more than 5% per year since 1999
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Total medical payments are increasing by nearly 4% per year since
1999 |
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Result = 9% increase in average medical
payments per claim per year
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Medical portion of total claim costs has increased at an annual rate
of 7.4%** |
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**(Note: From 1999 to 2003, the Medical Services
component of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased at an annual rate of 4.5% per year.)
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The Medical Quality Initiative (MQI) was launched to address these medical inflationary pressures while assuring that workers
receive consistent, timely, high quality care. At the same time, we want to minimize disputes and litigation and reduce the administrative process of medical reporting for medical providers
and insurance companies.
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| A
Balanced Approach |
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The goals of MQI, as referenced below, focus on a comprehensive and systems-based approach:
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Decrease overall claims costs |
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Assure consistent, high-quality care |
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Provide workers with timely treatment and access to medical care |
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Improve return-to-work outcomes |
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Improve partnerships among system stakeholders |
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Provide resources/guidance to medical providers |
