Guest Guru Archive
Past Guest Gurus
The monthly Guest Guru brings you an interview with a top work comp professional in Indiana. Learn all about their professional career, practice, cases and experience in the workers comp industry.
2011
December - Paul E. Kraemer, M.D. Indiana Spine Group
With spine injuries, people treat it as if it were one problem. Many times, the spine is only one component of the problem. Some may lose sight of the bigger picture. In the end, my goal is to work out a system that helps bring specificity to the situation. Read more
November - Ronald K. Downs, M.D., F.A.C.S., The Centre for Working Hands
I manage the expectation of the patient and the work comp community with education. Education can be the keystone or cornerstone of prevention. We practice a good program that helps prevent injuries from occurring. Read more
"In today’s economic times, doing more with less is the new normal. Many work comp claims personnel are overworked and may not be adequately informed as to their responsibilities in the claims." Read more
I guess my work comp philosophy is pretty simple, "To provide superior, reliable care for the work comp patient and additionally, give excellent service to the work comp community". Read more
"For claims management, the biggest challenge is to make sure everyone involved understands what is happening and the role they play in the claims process. Communication is key." Read More...
June - Mark Steinhofer, Certified Safety Professional, Safety Management Group
It doesn’t matter the size of the company. It doesn’t matter if the company is privately owned or a public company. It doesn’t matter if the company is union or non-union. What does matter is that safety is safety. No one wants to see a co-worker get injured or killed. This is a very common thread within an ever changing and evolving business environment. As a safety professional, my safety philosophy comes down to the grass roots mindset that all injuries are preventable. Read More...
May - Dwight Tyndall, MD Spine Care Specialists Presented by: Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers
One
of the most important things I stress in treating my patients is to
make sure my staff and I are always compassionate. Compassion naturally
leads to empathy. What many fail to realize when dealing with patients
is that you are treating a person who has a story to tell. We are
continuously dealing with the person we call a “patient”. Read More...
During Ann Stewart's more than 20 years as an attorney, she recognized that educating employers in worker's compensation and other administrative law practices has been an important, and constant, part of her career. At the beginning of her legal career, Stewart advised clients about The Americans With Disabilities Act, a new legislation that required employers to modify their facilities and adjust their employment practices. Now, Stewart, of counsel at Ice Miller, focuses her practice on advising clients about the requirements of the Indiana Worker's Compensation Act. Read More...
February/March - Darlene S. Commons, RN, CCM, CDMS - Assistant Vice President - MedInsights
In the movie Jerry Maguire (starring Tom Cruise), his girlfriend (played by Renee Zellweger) says,“You had me at, Hello!” My first experience in Workers Compensation case management - almost 21 yrs. ago - was just as compelling. The potential it held for making a significant difference in the outcome of a medical scenario, the ability of a case manager to fit together all the puzzle pieces of a case, and the challenge of resolving problems was evidence it was my dream job. Read More...January/February - Shaun Kondamuri, MD - Midwest Interventional Spine Specialists (M.I.S.S) Presented By Accelerated Rehabilitation
Setting the Expectation: This is a huge problem with many of the patients we see. An injured person may assume surgery will solve all of the problems. In some cases, surgery may be the only option, but with patients (including those injured on the job) who want instant results, digging deep into the root of the problem and looking at all factors which may have contributed to the injury is important. Getting a patient back to work and functioning at the pre-injury level is a goal, but an even larger goal is getting to the core of the issue; offering the best care, minimizing pain and helping the patient make lifestyle changes to decrease the chance of a future relapse. Read More...December/January - Sally Ferguson - District Manager for the CorVel Corporation
"From early intervention to advanced software and employee return to
work, we have the most comprehensive solution for your risk management
needs. Our services help you manage your risk and stay ahead of your
costs. The utilization of our innovative technology and leading medical
expertise can significantly reduce your claim, including administrative
fees, medical costs and indemnity reserves." Read More...
2010
November/December - Sheila Denman - Advanced Physical Therapy
“My mission is to compel employers to think differently about how they handle work related injuries. Simply following the traditional safety and medical treatment model year after year is giving approval to out of control recordables, escalating WC premiums and reduction to bottom line profits. It is time to do something different and we are leading the way in making those changes”. Read More...October/November - John Diveris, MD - Diveris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine (DOSM) Presented by Accelerated Rehabilitation
Offering patients outstanding orthopedic care with small town friendliness, Diveris Orthopedics and Sports Medicine provides each patient with a comprehensive evaluation and implements a personalized orthopedic treatment plan, one that will help patients resume an active lifestyle as soon as possible. With more than 25 years combined experience, Dr. Diveris and his friendly staff have one goal in mind: your recovery. Read More...September/October - Kevin Elo - 1st Advantage Physical Therapy
1st Advantage Physical Therapy… “Reaching For, And Achieving… A New Level.
Holding a masters degree in Physical Therapy, and additionally credentialed as a Licensed Athletic Trainer, a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist, Kevin Elo has over 14 years of experience in rehabilitation, specializing in Industrial Rehabilitation, Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, and Performing Arts. Kevin is the owner of 1st Advantage Physical Therapy, serving Northwest Indiana and Chicagoland. Read More...
