Paradigm's CMO receives 2009 Risk Innovator Award

Sep 16 2009

Risk & Insurance magazine today recognized Paradigm Management Services' Chief Medical Officer and founder, 2009 Risk Innovator Awards. Each year editors honor individuals in 14 different categories who have demonstrated innovation and excellence in risk management. Additionally, judges designated him a Responsibility Leader for doing what is right instead of what is easy for the benefit of Paradigm's customers. Dr. Cope is featured in the September 15 issue.

Dr. Cope earned recognition in the healthcare category for designing new standards of care for catastrophically injured workers. His Systematic Care Management(SM) model and predictive analytics for estimating resource consumption has independently been shown to yield better clinical outcomes for the patient and more accurate reserve setting for carriers and employers.

"It's an honor to receive this award," said Dr. Cope, "yet I have to admit that Paradigm's success is based on a relatively simple premise -- when you bring the medical expertise and provide the best care for a catastrophically injured individual, the desired financial implications will follow. However, ensuring that this care is delivered is a challenge requiring tremendous expertise, planning and the hard work of many dedicated people within the Paradigm family. This has been a cultural underpinning of this company from the very beginning."

An independent study from the actuarial firm, Milliman, Inc., shows this straightforward concept requires skilled implementation. Milliman compared the results of Paradigm-coordinated care with conventional care for catastrophic cases and found that conventional cases returned to work about 8% of the time, while Paradigm cases returned to work 40% of the time.

"Just as the award criteria state, Dr. Cope views the medical and financial risk posed by these most serious injuries as an opportunity," said Paradigm President Kevin Fleming. "An opportunity to help our clients control escalating expenses and to simultaneously ensure the injured worker and his family receive the most comprehensive care and support possible."

Judges screened hundreds of candidates during the selection process for how well each identified emerging risks, applied strategic risk utilization, and developed creative solutions for risk mitigation. Winners are credited with impacting not only their own workplace, but their industry or community, as well. Past recipients represented such organizations as Deloitte Consulting LLP, Swiss Re Capital Management and Advisory, Merrill Lynch and Hilton Hotels Corporation.

Dr. Cope is a nationally recognized physiatrist and psychiatrist specializing in catastrophic head and spinal cord injury treatment, and performing and publishing seminal research on treatment and outcomes. Prior to starting Paradigm in 1991, Dr. Cope held senior medical and management positions at some of the nation's leading hospitals, including Stanford University Medical Center and the National Rehabilitation Hospital in Washington, D.C. He has lectured throughout the world on catastrophic head and spinal cord injury, and managing catastrophic care. Source: