In a recent article in the Insurance Journal, it was noted that the economic downturn has resulted in a rise in workers’ compensation fraud. According to a senior special agent for the National Insurance Crime Bureau, people stay out longer on claims and multiple body parts are reported in the same claim. This of course increases treatments and costs. Employees are litigating rather than settling which requires more testing and lab work. In addition, employees are now choosing to expand the claim. For example, a toe injury leads to sleep therapy, which leads to sexual dysfunction. Acording to the NICB, there has also been a significant trend in medical identity theft and provider fraud. To read the full article, visit: http://www.insurancejournal.com/news/national/2009/04/14/99585.htm.