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HomeMy WebLinkAbout31- Risk Management CITY OF SAN BERN/` RDINO - REQUEST FnR COUNCIL ACTION From: Fred Wilson Subject: Resolution authorizing the execution of a Acting Director, Risk Management Workers ' Compensation managed care ser- Dept: Risk Management vices agreement between Beech Street of California, Inc. and the City of San Date: October 18, 1995 Bernardino. Synopsis of Previous Council action: No previous action C,Ta 7 : 56 Recommended motion: Adopt Resolution Signature contact person: Leslie Madrid Phone: 384-5173 Supporting data attached: Yes Ward: =UNDINO REQUIREMENTS: Amount: $24,000.00 Source: (ACCT. NO.) 678-452-5505 (ACCT. DESCRIPTION) Other Professional Services �- ouncil Notes: �/ to S o:6z Agenda Item No. �� Pon— CITY OF SAN BERNA"!"DINO - REQUEST FOR COUNCIL ACTION STAFF REPORT The cost to administer the City's self-insured Workers' Compensation program has increased over the past few years. There are three main reasons for increase in costs: a 50% growth in the filing of claims, state mandated increases in indemnity benefits, and a rise in the number of claims which are being litigated by claimants. The establishment of a cost containment program has been identified as a major step towards controlling expenses. One key element of a cost containment program is the utilization of a medical billing review service. A second element is the establishment of a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) through negotiated contract rates with hospitals. The proposed agreement with Beech Street of California, Ltd. will assist the department in implementing these two cost containment elements. The major provisions of the contract include: Medical Billing Review services * Reviewing all medical fees to ensure that the charges comply with the medical fee schedule, mandated by the State of California. * Hospital bill audit/screen reports. A pre-screen and/or audit report for in patient hospital bills. This audit process will provide a detail of provider over charges, identification of items unrelated to the covered diagnosis and the medical necessity of services billed. Preferred Provider Organization * The service will process and apply the negotiated contract rates to Workers' Compensation bills (in patient and out patient) from provider members of the PPO. * A monthly report which summarizes the following information for all PPO bills which itemizes: gross charges submitted, recommended allowances to be paid by the City based on negotiated contract rates, resulting in savings to the City. A pilot program was completed by Beech Street at no charge to the City in September 1995 in which 33 randomly pulled invoices were reviewed. Of these 33 invoices, which total $43 , 069 .00, Beech Street presented a savings to the City the amount of $11,421. 00; a 27% reduction. The cost to the City for the medical review services set forth in this letter of agreement is eight dollars ($8.00) per bill. 75-0264 t Several public entities in San Bernardino and Riverside County currently utilize Beech Street. They include the County of Riverside, County of Los Angeles, City of Riverside, Fontana Unified School District, and Los Angeles City of Water and Power. This agreement may be canceled by way of a thirty day written notice from either the City of San Bernardino or Beech Street.