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Medicare $1K Penalties, You Ready?

n this session, we will discuss a 15-year-old law that consistently confuses and frustrates responsible reporting entities in our industry.




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The Impact of Remote Work and Home Offices on Workers Compensation

In this webinar, ODG by MCG’s VP of Government Affairs, Patrick F. Robinson, JD, MBA, will discuss the origin and recent trends concerning telework/home offices, how different jurisdictions have analyzed…




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Overcoming Jurisdictional Return-to-Work Challenges

Identify specific requirements and common legal challenges for light duty and transitional work assignments. Understand jurisdictional components, litigation trends and case law. Discuss the challenges involved in transitional work assignments including…




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The Case for Evidence-Based Medicine in Managing Workplace Injuries

This presentation aims to explain the concept and importance of evidence-based medicine (EBM) in managing workplace injuries. Troy Prevot, Director of Strategic Solutions from ODG by MCG, will cover how…




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The Impact of Catastrophic Injuries on WC Claims

A catastrophic claim does not happen often, thank goodness; it accounts for less than 1% of all the WC claims. But when it happens, it takes only one case to…




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Part 1 of 3-Part Series on Chronicity in WC Understanding Chronicity in TBI and PTSD

This webinar aims to provide workers’ compensation stakeholders with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of chronicity in chronic pain conditions, traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and Post Traumatic Stress (PTS)…




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The Power of Virtual Reality: Immersive Therapeutics for Chronic Back Pain Management

CBP is a prevalent, complex, and expensive condition that carries a significant health economic burden in the US. For Injured Workers who experience persistent pain, the ability to participate in…




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Part 2 - Chronicity and Comorbidities: Focus on PTSD

This is our second webinar in our 3-part series on chronicity within the workers’ compensation system, which explores the complex relationship between PTSD and its overlapping comorbid conditions. Chronicity adds…




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MEMIC Announces $18.7M Dividend

The board of directors for Maine-based workers’ compensation carrier MEMIC Group approved an $18.7 million dividend. The dividend announced Wednesday represents about 11% of the premiums policyholders paid in 2021, the…




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High Court Clarifies Date Worker Became Entitled to Specific-Loss Benefits for Eye Injury

In a case of first impression, Maine’s highest court ruled that a worker was entitled to an award of specific-loss benefits for the loss of vision in his eye on…




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Worker Injured in Explosion Loses Claim That Employer Tricked Him Into Comp Settlement

The Tennessee Court of Appeals upheld the summary dismissal of a worker’s claims asserting that he was the victim of a fraudulent scheme to designate him as an employee instead of…




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Bill Proposes Comp Coverage for Public School Teachers

The first bill filed ahead of the 2025 legislative session would provide workers’ compensation benefits to Alabama’s public school teachers. Senate Bill 1, by Sen. Sam Givhan, R-Huntsville, would create the…




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Employer Can't Escape Liability for Continuing Medical Benefits

The Alabama Court of Civil Appeals ruled that an employer could not be relieved of its obligation to provide continuing medical treatment to an injured worker after she aggravated her…




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Court Clarifies Standard for Compensability of Injuries From Idiopathic Falls

The Utah Court of Appeals ruled that a worker can receive benefits for injuries she sustained from an idiopathic fall while she was working — if the injuries were made more…




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Court Has Jurisdiction Over Worker's Tort Suit for Sexual Assault

The North Carolina Court of Appeals ruled that the Industrial Commission did not have exclusive jurisdiction over a worker’s injury claim based on alleged sexual assault by a work-release inmate…




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No Additional Benefits for Worker's Knee Issues, Psychological Conditions

The North Carolina Court of Appeals upheld a finding that an injured airline employee was not entitled to additional benefits for his knee issues or mental health conditions. Case: Pierson v.




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Worker's Chemical Exposure Claim Goes Back to Commission for Further Findings

The North Carolina Court of Appeals sent a worker’s claim for disability benefits back to the Industrial Commission for further findings. Case: Bailey v. Southern Lithoplate Inc., No. COA24-55, 08/20/2024, unpublished. Facts:…




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Court Says Injured Worker Not Entitled to Participate in Vocational Rehab

An Ohio appellate court upheld a denial of an injured worker’s request to participate in vocational rehabilitation. Case: State ex rel. Saia v. Industrial Commission, No.  22AP-667, 06/11/2024, published. Facts and procedural…




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Court Overturns VSSR Award for Worker With Chemical Burns

An Ohio appellate court issued a limited writ of mandamus overturning an enhanced award of benefits against a borrowing employer for a worker’s chemical burns. Case: State ex rel. Liberty Steel…




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Court Clarifies Extent to Which Partial Amputation Results in Total Loss

An Ohio appellate court ruled that if a worker’s injury results in the severance of some part of the proximal phalanx, the injury must be treated as a loss of…




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BWC Opens Registration for Annual Medical and Health Symposium

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation opened registration for its 2024 Medical & Health Symposium being held in November. The free virtual event will focus on how technology in medicine is…




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Public University Employee Can't Maintain Tort Suit for Campus Accident

An Ohio appellate court upheld the dismissal of a public university worker's civil suit against his employer for injuries from a fall on a campus walkway. Case: Marzan v. University of…




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Cancer-Stricken Firefighter Gets PPD Award

An Ohio appellate court upheld an award of permanent partial disability benefits for a cancer-stricken firefighter. Case: State ex rel. City of Cincinnati v. Industrial Commission, No. 23AP-332, 10/17/2024, published. Facts: Michael…




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Electrician Doesn't Establish Entitlement to PTD Benefits for Back Injury

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the denial of total disability benefits to an injured electrician. Case: Blaker v. The Kroger Co., No. 2024-CA-0553-WC, 07/26/2024, unpublished. Facts: Robert Blaker Jr. worked for…




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Crane Service Has Single Citation Reinstated, Another Dismissed

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the dismissal of a citation against a crane service provider but reinstated another. Case: Secretary of the Education & Labor Cabinet v. Sterett Crane and…




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Supreme Court Upholds Award for Worker With Back Injury, Psychological Condition

The Kentucky Supreme Court upheld an award of benefits for a worker for a back injury with psychological overlay. Case: Laboratory Corporation of America v. Smith, No. 2023-SC-0479-WC, 08/22/2024, published. Facts: Hunter…




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Court Upholds Denial of Coverage for Worker's Opioid Medication

The Kentucky Court of Appeals upheld the denial of coverage for a worker’s opioid medication. Case: Howell v. Floyd County Board of Education, No. 2024-CA-0122-WC, 10/18/2024, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Judy…




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Split Supreme Court Awards PTD Benefits to Worker for Electric Shock Injuries

A divided South Dakota Supreme Court ruled that a worker was entitled to permanent total disability benefits for his electric shock injuries, finding he developed both a cardiac condition and…




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DLI Rules Would Authorize Max Penalty for Misclassification

The Montana Department of Labor and Industry proposed rules that would add intentional misclassification to the list of violations that justify assessing the maximum penalty. The department will hold a hearing…




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Lack of Objective Medical Evidence Results in Summary Denial of TTD Claim

The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court granted summary judgment denying a worker’s request for additional temporary total disability benefits because he failed to offer objective medical findings of his alleged chronic headaches. Case:…




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DWC Posts Rulemaking Notice for Fee Schedule, Related Documents

The Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation posted a notice of development of rulemaking to implement the most recent edition of its health care provider fee schedule and related documents. The DWC…




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Federal Court Upholds Conviction for Pharmacy Kickback Scheme, Overturns Restitution Order

A federal appellate court upheld a defendant’s conviction for a long-running and lucrative kickback scheme but overturned the restitution order that had been imposed. Case: U.S. v. Young, Nos. 20-13091 and…




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Court Upholds Worker's Entitlement to Further Medical Care

An Arizona appellate court upheld a determination that a worker was entitled to additional treatment as he had not reached a medically stationary state. Case: Tenet Health System Medical v. Industrial…




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ICA Sets Annual Claims Seminar for August

The Industrial Commission of Arizona is holding its 2024 Claims Seminar Aug. 15-16 in Scottsdale. The seminar will cover topics including an overview of state work comp statutes, the role of…




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ICA Names New Safety and Health Program Manager

The Industrial Commission of Arizona announced that Joanna Martelles was chosen to serve in the newly created position of Safety and Health Program manager. The new position will be tasked with…




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Court Upholds Dismissal of Municipal Employee's Tort Suit Against Employer

A Louisiana appellate court upheld the summary dismissal of a municipal employee’s suit against her employer for her injuries from a fall allegedly caused by the city’s negligence in maintaining…




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Lawmakers Pass Bill Limiting Recovery for Misclassification

Louisiana lawmakers passed a bill that would establish notice requirements for carriers to seek additional premium payments from employers that misclassified their workers and limit how much insurers can recover. Rep.




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LASIE Seminar to Cover Basic Principles of Medical Injuries

The Louisiana Association of Self Insured Employers is holding a one-day seminar covering the basic principles of medical injuries commonly seen in workers’ compensation. The seminar will cover how to review…




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Res Judicata Does Not Bar Worker's Intentional Tort Claim Against Colleague

A Louisiana appellate court ruled that res judicata did not bar a school district employee’s intentional tort claim against a colleague even though she received a workers’ compensation settlement for her…




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WCC: Amended Rules Allow Electronic Payment

The South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission adopted new benefit payment rules after lawmakers permitted the agency to allow electronic payments. The commission on Friday published a statement announcing that the new…




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El diagnóstico y tratamiento tempranos de la enfermedad arterial periférica son esenciales para mejorar los resultados y reducir el riesgo de amputación

Aspectos destacados de la guía: La nueva guía conjunta de la American Heart Association (la Asociación Americana del Corazón) y el American College of Cardiology ofrece recomendaciones para guiar a los médicos en el tratamiento de pacientes con...




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Palliative care beneficial to manage symptoms, improve quality of life for people with CVD

Statement Highlights: Palliative medication management focuses on providing relief from symptoms and enhancing quality of life for people with cardiovascular disease throughout the various stages of the disease. Decisions about initiating, adjusting...




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Los cuidados paliativos son beneficiosos para tratar los síntomas y mejorar la calidad de vida de las personas con ECV

Aspectos destacados de la declaración: El manejo de los medicamentos paliativos se enfoca en el alivio de los síntomas y en la mejora de la calidad de vida de las personas con enfermedades cardiovasculares en las distintas etapas de la enfermedad. La...




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La nueva guía explica en detalle cómo manejar el riesgo de enfermedades cardiovasculares (ECV) antes, durante y después de una cirugía no cardíaca

Aspectos destacados de la guía: La guía conjunta de la American Heart Association (la Asociación Americana del Corazón) y el American College of Cardiology, que aborda el tratamiento y la evaluación cardiovascular de los pacientes antes, durante y...




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Popular home blood pressure monitoring cuff devices may not fit some US adults

Research Highlights: An analysis of at-home blood-pressure monitors estimates that the arm cuffs for 10 of the most popular potentially do not fit up to 18 million adults in the U.S. and nearly 12% of Black adults. To ensure accurate blood pressure ...




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Better cardiovascular health in early pregnancy may offset high genetic risk

Research Highlights: Favorable cardiovascular health in early pregnancy, as measured by the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) cardiovascular health score, was linked to lower risk of preeclampsia and gestational hypertension, ...




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Measure of body roundness may help to predict risk of cardiovascular disease

Research Highlights: Body roundness index — a measure to reflect abdominal body fat and height that some health care professionals believe better reflects the proportion of body fat and visceral fat than body mass index — may help to predict a...




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Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine Dr. Robert Harrington to receive the 2024 Chairman’s Award

Embargoed until 7 a.m. CT/8 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024   DALLAS, Nov. 6, 2024 — Robert A. Harrington, M.D., FAHA, the Stephen and Suzanne Weiss Dean of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, will receive the 2024 Chairman’s Award at the...




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Dr. Lauren Sansing to receive the 2024 Basic Research Prize

Embargoed until 7 a.m. CT/8 a.m. ET, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024 DALLAS, Nov. 6, 2024 — Lauren H. Sansing, M.D., M.S., FAHA, professor of neurology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut, will receive the Basic Research Prize from the ...




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Alien Skin Exposure 4 Photographic Software Review


There is nothing more wonderful than exploring new tools or ways for something you are passionate about.

 
A B&W Infra-Red (IR) processing of a red barn and green fields


What is the Purpose of this Software?
Exposure is an add-on photo-editing application for Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom and Elements that provides almost a complete list of film types, both B&W and Color, for processing for the digital darkroom. I say almost as I didn't count the list of film types in this application and I don't even know all the films that have ever been made, but they sure seem to be all here.
 
'Sepia – blue Finish (modified)' setting with a layer set to 'Lighten' mode (31%) for an Expsure 4 ver. of 'Kodak HIE (Halation moderate)'


One test of software is to see how it feels right out of the box. A lot like taking a performance sports car for a test drive. You may not know everything about it but you know how to drive and turn corners.

I never read the manual first as I believe that a person with reasonable skills on the computer and with digital editing should know how to turn it on and drive around a little. 
 
Exposure 4 did not fail here. It was easy to install and when launched, the layout and buttons were intuitive. The only problem I had was that it was almost 2 hours later when I realized how much I had been playing with the different types of films.





How would I use this Photo-Editing Software?

Exposure 4 has a great repertoire of classic, vintage and just plain old films both in color and B&W. Combined with these types of film selections are the various processing adjustments you might make in a wet darkroom, such as contrast, toning, bleaching, cross-processing, calotype, platinum and much more.

Some of these are obvious as the IR and Platinum and High contrast B&W I have shown above. Even old color films with faded color can provide unique approaches to the photographic images.


Without having access to the original old photograph, an older reproduction could be re-made. This could be cast against another image to create a story of 'then and now' and subject of an interesting photographic book.




In the image above I took 2 photos and I applied old color film technique to the bordered version to create the effect of laying an old photo on a new photo to show a change over time.


How well does it Perform?
Having a 7 processors and 12TB of RAM there should be no speed issues with loading and applying application settings. It was just over a sec to load and less to applying any film setting. The window is originally set up with 3 panels. Large central being the photo being edited. The panel on the right is the main adjustment panel color. See composite below. There is enough functionality to do almost everything you want.


A minor problem with the numbers dialog boxes. When you enter a number it doesn't apply until you click the panel and if you use the Enter key it applies the Exposure 4 application. I would rather have that only happen when I click the OK button.




The panel on the left are all the pre-set film settings which are based on some combination of settings on the right panel. This is great because once you found a style that suits your needs you can then tweak it to best suit the photograph.


I did find that using the color filter produced better color (brighter) for me than using the same color on a layer in Photoshop. It might be the preserve luminosity check box.


With my sample photos the rendering of effects was clean with no noticeable distortions unless of course you cranked the saturation way up.


I like that both side panels can be minimized and it's easy to zoom into a section for better clarity. With a 24” monitor some apps don't allow full screen editing.
I also like how you can save your own presets.



The above image is from one I tested since I had created a B&W version previously. The software did produce versions that I liked as well and maybe even better than the original.



Who is this Software meant for?
For anyone how wants to experience the look of chemical film technology and its variant processes.
Definitely for commercial ad type photographic needs. Here with the press of a button, a vintage effect can be created without much time spent by the user.
For creative types who may want to create story-line or books where the type of photograph is integral to the story experience
For fine-art photographers that require a specific look, as with my image of the tree and bench, that is not easily achieved in Photoshop.
To create new layers that can be set to one of the blend modes. There is a practice to create a B&W version of your image that looks best and then set this to luminosity for your color photo. While I haven’t experimented that much with these I suspect I will find some of the film output useful as a blend mode.




Recommendations
This is a good solid product that provides a wealth of film types and genres. It is easy to use and intuitive.
I would give this software a 4 – 4 ½ rating. The limiting factor would be price for a new user at approx $249. but an upgrade is only $99.
As an investment, I view software the same as a lens. It's a tool to help you meet your needs or goals. Many people find the cost of software somewhat prohibitive and yet see no problem with spending more on a new lens. I love a lens also as there's something about that precision instrument you are holding. But I photo-edit every photo I show to the public. I always want to bring out the very best and convey the feelings and experience I had at the time I took the photograph. The straight out-of-the-camera version doesn’t give me this. It is a mechanical device and not a human.



Definitely do download a trial version and play with it.



Niels Henriksen



Disclaimer: Other than receiving a copy of the software to review, I did not or will not receive any remunerations, gifts or any considerations from this review from the company, its agents or any of its distributors