As we wrap up 2025, we’re presented with an opportunity to reflect on the new and unexpected challenges our clients faced this year — and their resilience along the way. We invite you to catch up on the top six topics our experts wrote about this year.
- What to Look for in a PPO Network
In workers’ compensation (WC), preferred provider organizations (PPOs) are networks of medical professionals designed to deliver cost-effective, quality care to workers injured on the job. Both employers and claims professionals rely on PPOs to secure timely care for injured workers and control WC program expenses. Here, I’ll explore a few important factors companies should look for in identifying the right WC PPO network to suit their needs.
- Addressing Industrial Hearing Loss
Did you know that occupational hearing loss is the most common work-related illness in the United States? It is a much bigger deal than most may realize. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 22 million U.S. workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise levels at work each year, and about 4 million of them experience hearing loss. Whether it’s a constant hum or a sudden blast, significant noise exposure can damage the nerve endings in the inner ear, leading to permanent hearing loss.
- Ergonomics at Work: A Guide for Employees and Employers
In recent years, many people have transitioned to remote work or adopted a hybrid work model, blending home and office environments. This shift often led to quickly assembled workspaces, from uncomfortable chairs to makeshift desk setups, many of which were not designed with long-term use in mind.
Whether you chose a remote position for convenience or have been working from home for a while, now is an excellent time to reassess your workspace arrangements. This is where the principles of ergonomics come into play.
- Simplifying Recovery: How Careworks Streamlines Post-Acute Care for Injured Employees
When an employee is injured on the job, the journey to recovery often extends well beyond the hospital. For many, the next step is critical to healing and returning to work. But for organizations managing workers’ compensation — such as insurers, third-party administrators (TPAs), self-insured employers, and public entities — this phase can be complex, time-consuming, and costly. That’s where Careworks’ post-acute care comes in.
- Weight Loss Medications in Workers’ Compensation: Impact, Claims, and Alternatives
GLP-1 agonists, commonly known as diabetes and weight loss medications, are continuing to increase in usage across the country. Data from 2024 indicates that more than 15.5 million Americans reported having used these medications. As the popularity and use of drugs such as Wegovy, Ozempic and others continue, companies and claims professionals will need to remain aware of their effect on workers’ compensation claims and management strategies.
- Physical Therapy Strategies to Mitigate Costs and Improve Effectiveness
Physical therapy can be an excellent means of treatment for injured employees who have experienced a musculoskeletal injury or who have undergone certain surgical procedures. In many cases, it may serve as the gold standard for treatment and recovery. However, as certain costs within workers’ compensation have declined over the years (i.e., pharmacy), the cost of physical therapy services has increased and is often the #1 driver of medical spend for employers.
Because physical therapy can be invaluable to the recovery process, understanding the environment more fully can enable employers to become more savvy consumers of these services and empower employees to prioritize their recovery.
Looking Ahead
None of us know what 2026 may bring. But in the unexpected, you can be sure of this: Careworks will be here for you — watching trends, sharing ideas, offering support, bringing the best of our resources, and connecting to what matters most. We look forward to continuing the conversation and sharing insights with you throughout the new year.