BILLINGS, MONT. (Aug. 13, 2013) — From the Affordable Care Act and opioid epidemic to the energy boom and historically low interest rates, much of what affects workers’ compensation is far beyond the industry’s control. Health Strategy Associates’ Joseph Paduda, author of the www.ManagedCareMatters.com blog, guides attendees through these macro-economic and societal influences during his keynote address at the 2013 Montana Governor’s Conference on Workers’ Compensation and Occupational Safety and Health.

“While we may not be able to control these dynamics, knowing what is coming and how it will impact workers’ comp will help the industry prepare for and navigate through the coming years,” Paduda said. Slated for Sept. 4–6, the Montana Governor’s Conference will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Billings, Mont.  Other sessions include medical regulation, legal and legislative updates, a presentation on brain injuries and another called “Demystifying Neuropsychological Evaluations.” For more information and to register, please see http://erd.dli.mt.gov/governors-conference-home/registration.html. Paduda is a nationally recognized expert in medical management with deep experience in medical and pharmacy services in workers’ compensation. In addition to consulting with managed care organizations, employers, health care providers, and insurers, Mr. Paduda regularly conducts surveys of workers’ comp payers on managing work comp pharmacy costs, bill review systems and claims systems. For more information, please see www.healthstrategyassoc.com or www.ManagedCareMatters.com.

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Media Contact:  Helen King Knight, APR King Knight Communications, helen@kingknight.com  813-690-4787