CCN Unveils National Auto Managed Care Program

CCN, a workers' compensation Preferred Provider Organization, says it now can offer a full-service auto injury management program in 23 states plus the District of Columbia.

The company draws on more than 15 years experience in managing the care of work-place injuries, which it says are similar to the trauma and soft-tissue injuries most commonly sustained in automobile accidents. The company's auto managed care network providers include trauma specialists, primary care physicians, chiropractors and physical therapists experienced in treating these types of injuries.

In making the announcement, CCN's CEO Richard M. Mastaler, said, "We're making auto one of our top priorities, and we're aggressively going after this business, especially in states with auto no-fault laws which have high medical limits. Most insurers in these states have some degree of control in directing the injured individual's medical care to a network of providers."

Another CCN focus will be those highly populated states where insurance carriers have the ability to implement provider referral tools to encourage the use of preferred providers by their policyholders.

Auto networks work similarly to group health networks. Auto insurance policyholders pay less for their medical care when they seek care from a network provider. The idea, CCN says, is to lower auto insurance premiums by decreasing medical costs, while enhancing care and returning the individual to pre-accident productivity.

CCN's auto injury management program is currently available in the District of Columbia and the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Northwest Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin.

The service includes a network of directly-contracted providers, early intervention through 800 reporting, provider referral tools, utilization management, case management, physician advisor/peer review, independent medical evaluations and bill review services. CCN also features a physical medicine review component, which ensures that physical therapy and chiropractic treatment—traditionally at risk for abuse and over-utilization—is medically necessary and appropriate. Additionally, clients are given the option of having CCN refer policyholders to client-preferred auto body shops and towing services.