The idea
of an industry disruptor might be reminiscent of a classroom prankster, the one
who continually distracts to keep the teacher off topic. But no. The term
“industry disruptor” is being used to describe organizations with concepts or
approaches that significantly impact an industry. Because of their unique
presence and ingenuity, industry disruptors change the entire industry—often
forever.
Industry disruptors
Think of
Steve Jobs’ invention and Apple, Inc.’s implementation of the iPod. It turned
the music industry on its side. Jobs could envision completely new products and
new ways to use them, so he changed the music world. But the music industry was
not the only business he disrupted.
Jobs did
not invent the cell phone, but he changed the way cell phones are used. The
“smart” iPhone profoundly changed the way we use phones. Now they are small,
but powerful hand-held computers with apps that embrace almost any activity. Land
lines have become almost obsolescent and old “Ma Bell” would not recognize the
industry.
Moving
on, Jobs also disrupted the personal computer industry with the iPad. Sales are
down for laptops and portable computers because people rely on the simpler iPad
for personal use, for e-reading, for movies, and for specific business
adaptations. As an example, doctors’ offices now use iPads for data input into
EMR’s (Electronic Medical Records). iPads and phones even capture credit cards
and signatures.
Jobs
could “think different”, actually using that phrase in advertising. He could
envision, design, develop, and implement electronic tools that disrupt whole
industries. Amazingly, the technology, through the continuous development of
apps (purpose-specific applications) has allowed expansion from the original
concept into every avenue of life.
Yet another,
more recent disruptor is Uber. Uber has taken use of the smart phone a step
further, thereby changing the way people travel from point to point in cities.
Just tap your phone, and you will be picked up and driven to your destination.
No money or credit card transactions are needed because that has been set up in
advance on the Uber website.
Uber has
seriously disrupted the stodgy taxi industry as people find the simplicity of
Uber quicker and more satisfactory. However, disruptor transition is not
necessarily easy. Uber is suffering from growth stumbles and legal push-back
from the taxi industry. Resistance is found in many industries.
Disruptors in Workers’ Compensation
Everyone agrees
Workers’ Compensation needs updating and improving. Unfortunately, the industry
is notoriously resistant to change. What would an industry disruptor create for
this industry?
Legislation
Some say the
big change needed is to legislate the employer opt-out option from state
regulated systems. Texas and Oklahoma are the change leaders in that effort.
However, a group of employers is working in other states to bring about similar
legislation. If well-executed, these efforts could significantly impact the
industry.
To bring
about superior, sustainable change, new applications of technology will be required
to monitor consistency, quality, and compliance across jurisdictions. The technology
is available. Now a unique application is needed, one that everyone loves to
use!
Loving technology
Loving technology
is not a sentiment normally found in Workers’ Compensation. That is because
most still think of technology as tedious data input and mistrust the output. Nevertheless,
creative technology could boost and enhance nearly every activity in Workers’
Compensation.
The
ultimate goal in any Workers’ Compensation endeavor is (should be) to optimize
the medical care of injured workers at the lowest possible cost. A successful
industry disruptor will apply technology in new ways, thereby positively impacting
cost and outcome pathways for injured workers and their employers.
Industry disruptors
Any
industry disruptor technology will encounter resistance in Workers’ Compensation.
However, everyone can contribute to positive industry disruption by simply
being open to change. Change might mean doing things differently. It might be
willingness to learn about and adopt new technology-based approaches in business
operations. It might even mean willingness to love technology.
The point
is, a creative new use of technology will change the way the Workers’ Compensation
world is managed going forward. Industry disruptors will make that happen.
Karen Wolfe is the founder and President of MedMetrics®, LLC, a Workers’ Compensation medical analytics and technology services company. MedMetrics analyzes the data and offers online apps that super-charge medical management by linking analytics to operations, thereby making them actionable. karenwolfe@medmetrics.org
