Commonwealth Medicine, the health care consulting and operations division of UMass Medical School, has been selected by the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS) to provide expert medical opinions and written recommendations on disability retirement applications. DRS administers retirement benefits for most public employees in Washington, including law enforcement and firefighters.
DRS oversees eight individual public retirement systems and 15 retirement plans with $4 billion in annual payments covering a range of state and local government workers, including teachers, firefighters and police officers.
In its work with DRS, Commonwealth Medicine’s Disability Evaluation Services will analyze and review disability applications on total incapacity for continued employment as a law enforcement officer or firefighter. All reviews, opinions and recommendations will be made in accordance with Washington state laws and specific retirement plan rules.
“We are thrilled to partner with the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems,” said Disability Evaluation Services Director Frank Joyce. “We look forward to working together to deliver high-quality reviews and recommendations.”
The Disability Evaluation Services team of more than 75 licensed clinical professionals – including over 30 multi-specialty physicians – will conduct quality-tested medical record reviews to determine disability. Disability Evaluation Services’ qualified medical professionals will then submit a written report to the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems with an objective recommendation based on sound medical opinion and Washington state law.
A leader in disability determination, Disability Evaluation Services handles more than 40,000 evaluations each year. In addition to Washington state, Disability Evaluation Services currently provides services to Massachusetts, Missouri, New Hampshire and Maine.