Posts by Kevin Trangle & Associates
Alternative Specimens – Drug Testing
Drug use in the workplace continues to be a problem in the United States, as large numbers of illegal drug users pose a danger to themselves and others. The most common technique for detecting drug use in the workplace is urine drug testing. Problems with this technique include the lack of long-term drug detection and the inability to correlate test results with impairment. Other specimens for drug testing include saliva, hair, and sweat.
Read MoreEffects of Marijuana
Marijuana is the most widely used illicit drug in the United States. Statistics show that the number of workers’ compensation-related claims with drug use have increased precipitously. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, “employed drug abusers cost their employers about twice as much in medical and workers’ compensation claims as their drug free coworkers.”
Read MoreMedical Bill Audits
A typical medical billing involves two processes, the Financial Review and the Clinical Review of related charges. The Financial Review is subdivided into a Usual, Customary and Reasonable (UCR) Analysis and a Medical Billing Audit, and involves a comprehensive review of the Universal Bill and itemization. The Clinical Review is a thorough review of the medical records performed by trained Registered Nurses and the Medical Director to determine the necessity of treatment for accident-related injuries.
Read MoreOrganic Solvent-induced Neurotoxity
Organic solvents are a chemical class of compounds that are used routinely in commercial industries. These compounds exist in liquid form at room temperature, and are useful because they can dissolve fats, oils, resins, rubbers, and plastics. Short-term, high level exposure to these compounds can result in reversible and irreversible health effects. Studies have demonstrated that some effects can persist for months to years after employees are removed from the area with solvent exposure.
Read MoreIndoor Air Quality
Indoor air quality is most often compromised by mold, but can also be affected by off-gassing exposure, volatile organic compounds, and CO, NO2, and SO2 contamination. Three negative health effects that can result from exposure to certain molds are allergy, infection, and toxicity. Most effects from mold exposure disappear when the exposure decreases.
Read More