Three Cigna disability case managers win Dorland Health People Award

Three Cigna disability case managers were recognized for excellence during the recent annual Dorland Health People Awards, created by publisher Dorland Health.

"We understand that to help people improve their health, well-being and sense of security, we must first earn their trust, and our disability case managers bring this passion to their work every day," said Beth Chiappetta, vice president, expert resources for Cigna. "We are pleased that their efforts to serve our customers are being recognized as best-in-class." Cigna serves over five million customers through its disability insurance programs.

Dorland Health People Awards entries were evaluated by a panel of professionals who specialize in care coordination and understand both the clinical and business aspects of healthcare. Winners and honorable mentions were selected for this year's program based on leadership, creativity, and innovation for specific programs or as a member of the care coordination team in their organization.

Among the hundreds of entries to the Dorland Health People Awards, these three Cigna employees stood out:

• Kathy Boudlali, Disability Manager, coordinates disability and medical case management. She helps employees improve their health and achieve their return-to-work goals. She also assists in identifying at-risk employees as part of Cigna's efforts to help employers and employees prevent future health problems that lead to disabilities, and to be fully productive on the job.
• Judy Porreca, Healthcare Educator, focuses on educating and coaching new disability, life and accident claims staff to help them build a working knowledge of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and various diseases and disorders. With this knowledge, Cigna's claim staff, in partnership with nurses and medical directors, can better evaluate disability claims and identify integration opportunities with Cigna's care management programs to offer more services that can help improve a customer's health.
• John Simpson, MSW, CRC, LPC, Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist, provides return-to-work support and counseling to customers when they are ready to return to work after an illness or injury. His background in social work and vocational rehabilitation counseling has allowed him to develop and implement return-to-work plans that incorporate all of a customer's health needs.

"Cigna invests heavily in its return to work and rehabilitation resources. Our individual winners of the Dorland People Awards are just three shining examples of dedication and passion we have for serving our customers," said Mark Marsters, senior vice president, Group Operations for CIGNA.

Source: CIGNA