UMass Medical School to improve Missouri disability system

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By Emily Micucci

Missouri’s largest retirement system for government workers is partnering with Commonwealth Medicine, the healthcare consulting arm of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester, to enhance the disability certification process for about 60,000 former and current government employees.

Commonwealth Medicine’s Disability Evaluation Services will work with the $6.9-billion Missouri Local Government Employees Retirement System (LAGERS) on process improvements and disability claim analysis and review, according to a statement from Commonwealth Medicine.

According the statement, LAGERS is experiencing significant growth, adding about 15 employees per year.

Disability Evaluation Services will conduct quality-tested medical and vocational reviews that apply federal law and regulations to determine disability and functional ability to resume work after medical intervention. A team of more than 60 licensed clinical employees, including registered nurses and certified vocational staff, will work alongside physicians and psychologists to provide comprehensive disability evaluation.

Commonwealth Medicine offers similar services to clients in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Ohio, conducting more than 40,000 evaluations annually, the organization said.