CompPartners to Offer HCO to First Health Clients in Calif.

Irvine, Calif.-based CompPartners has formed a business relationship with First Health Group Corp. to provide The First Health® Network to its workers’ compensation Health Care Organization (HCO) clients in California.

HCOs, which are fully integrated health care delivery systems for workers’ compensation clients, have reportedly been shown to reduce overall loss costs by up to 50 percent through return-to-work programs and reduced litigation. Another benefit of using an HCO is mandatory use of the HCO provider network for an extended period of medical control up to 180 days, from the current 30 days.

CompPartners’ state-certified HCO offers injured or ill employees medical care and a choice of multiple certified providers and case management advocates, along with an independent peer review, appeal and grievance resolution system. Providers and payers receive the benefits of peer consultants for complex cases as well as expedited referrals, authorizations and payments.

“We have seen tremendous results for clients using our HCO,” said Bruce A. Carlin, CEO of CompPartners. “We expect even greater savings from the added strength of one of the country’s top workers’ compensation PPOs.”