MedRisk, a King of Prussia-based provider specializing in solutions for the casualty claims industry, has unveiled its 2025 Industry Trends Report, shedding light on the essential role of early physical therapy (PT) in optimizing claim outcomes and controlling rising healthcare costs. The report highlights critical geographic disparities in the timing of PT and surgical interventions that affect injured workers across the country.
Released on March 21, 2025, the report uncovers how medical inflation and provider consolidation are significant contributors to soaring healthcare expenses. “As the industry faces rising costs, understanding these trends is essential to improving outcomes and reducing claim durations,” emphasized Brian Peers, PT, DPT, Vice President of Clinical Services at MedRisk. MedRisk's analysis includes data from hundreds of thousands of injured workers, revealing valuable insights into the treatment and recovery pathways essential for optimizing care.
One of the key findings in the report is that initiating PT earlier in the claim process can significantly shorten claim durations. Delays in therapy often lead to prolonged recovery times and increased expenses for both patients and insurers. “Our data shows that initiating PT early leads to shorter claim durations, while delays often prolong recovery and increase expenses,” Peers stated. This perspective reflects a growing recognition within the industry regarding the benefits of timely intervention for injured workers.
The report also underscores that geographic disparities are evident in the implementation of PT, revealing that the timing and accessibility of services can vary dramatically from one region to another. In some areas, injured workers face hurdles in accessing timely PT, which can not only stymie their recuperation but also escalate the financial burden on the claims process.
Srivatsan Sridharan, the CEO of MedRisk, echoed these sentiments, asserting the importance of the report. “We are proud to share these insights with the industry to advance the quality of care and support patients on their return-to-work journeys,” he noted. His comments reflect an ongoing commitment from MedRisk to leverage data-driven approaches that can lead to better healthcare delivery and patient outcomes.
The growing emphasis on early PT aligns with broader healthcare trends aiming to mitigate costs while ensuring high-quality care. As states push towards value-based care models, understanding the impacts of various factors—including geographic dilemmas—becomes paramount. The report serves as a critical resource for stakeholders within the casualty claims sphere, potentially guiding policy adjustments and targeted interventions.
Additionally, MedRisk's report emphasizes the implications of consolidation in the healthcare provider landscape. As providers consolidate, competition among service providers diminishes, which can lead to higher costs and reduced options for patients. The report brings to light the necessity for ongoing dialogue concerning healthcare pricing and access, highlighting how these elements critically affect claim outcomes.
MedRisk's proactive stance against rising healthcare costs and its advocacy for early intervention through physical therapy underscores the company's role as a leading entity in the casualty claims profession. Equipped with advanced analytics and insights management capabilities, MedRisk aims to reduce the administrative load for adjusters and case managers, simplifying the recovery process for injured workers.
The 2025 Industry Trends Report stands to provide valuable insights as the casualty claims industry grapples with unprecedented challenges. By outlining actionable strategies, the report is not only a tool for insurers but also serves to enhance the recovery experiences of injured workers across the nation.
As the healthcare landscape continues to evolve, the importance of leveraging data for better outcomes remains critical. MedRisk's commitment to innovation within the casualty claims sector could pave the way for more efficient practices, ultimately benefiting all parties involved and ensuring timely recovery for injured workers.
The full report is available for download at MedRisk's official website. With a commitment to fostering better care decisions, MedRisk focuses on ensuring that injured workers receive the timely physical therapy they need to recover effectively. In a rapidly changing environment characterized by consolidating providers and rising costs, these insights offer a beacon for those navigating the complexities of the workers' compensation landscape.
For additional media inquiries, Katie Peveraro of MedRisk can be reached at (610) 768-5812 or via email at [email protected].
