Experts to Discuss Integrating Evidence-Based Guidelines for Claims Consistency

At the upcoming National Comp 2026 conference, workers' compensation industry experts will convene to discuss how evidence-based guidelines, technology, and artificial intelligence can enhance claims consistency. The panel discussion, titled "From Guidelines to Outcomes: Practical Integration Strategies for Claims Consistency," will take place on September 29, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Pacific Time, as part of the conference's Data & Technology educational track.

Pam Bloom-Pugliese, Director of Product Management at ODG by MCG, will join fellow panelists—Karen Thomas, Vice President of Clinical Solutions with Corvel; Kerri Wizner, MPH, CPH, Head of Epidemiology at MDGuidelines; and Dr. Steve Wiesner, a Medical Advisory Board Member at MDGuidelines—to explore strategies for integrating evidence-based guidance into the claims lifecycle.

Evidence-based recommendations and state treatment guidelines are increasingly vital for ensuring quality, consistent care. However, implementing these guidelines into daily claims workflows can present practical challenges. During the session, Ms. Bloom-Pugliese and her colleagues will delve into operationalizing these guidelines to support greater consistency, confidence, and quality in claims and clinical teams.

Ms. Bloom-Pugliese stated, "Evidence-based guidelines are most impactful when they are available at the right time and place to support the decisions people are already making. This discussion is an opportunity to focus on how organizations can integrate these guidelines across the claim lifecycle to enhance consistency and efficiency."

The panel will cover the integration of evidence-based guidance across key stages of a workers' compensation claim, including intake and triage, care planning, case management, and utilization review. Real-world implementation approaches and lessons learned will be shared, highlighting both successful improvements and ongoing challenges.

Attendees will also learn about practical models being used across the industry, such as point-of-care support, case management triggers, workforce training, and decision support embedded into existing technology through APIs. The discussion will address the complexities of managing multiple guideline sources and how claims organizations can promote greater consistency across teams and workflows.

Artificial intelligence (AI) will also be a topic of discussion, with a focus on the potential role of AI in the future of clinical and claims guidance. Ms. Bloom-Pugliese noted, "It's important to critically evaluate AI-generated information when it informs health-related decisions to ensure accurate and reliable outcomes."

ODG by MCG will have a presence at the conference, with representatives available to showcase their new AI-powered clinical intelligence solution for utilization review. This tool is designed to optimize review time while preserving human oversight and decision-making authority.

For more information about the 2026 National Comp conference, visit nationalcomp.org.

Contact: Lori Johnson MCG Health Email: [email protected] Website: mcg.com