History Class: Deep Research in Claims & Medical Management 

The Trained A-Eye

Welcome back to class, friends! We have been sharpening our pencils, building our libraries, and experimenting in the lab. Now, it is time to head into History Class. History is where we dig deeper, uncover sources, and learn from the wisdom already written. In the world of AI, this lesson is about Deep Research, one of the newest and most powerful capabilities that turns curiosity into actionable insight. And just like in workers’ compensation, where we must often trace the story behind the injury or the evolution of a claim, Deep Research gives us the ability to go beyond the surface and understand the full context. 

This project continues to be inspired by my professor friends Chris Snider and Christopher Porter, the Innovation Profs, who created the AI Summer School series. Their exploration of Deep Research reminded me so much of our industry. In workers’ compensation, we need to be asking better questions, following the threads, and seeing the bigger picture. Chris and Chris used the Deep Research tool to study how to grow their newsletter. This got me thinking this same approach could change how we research claims trends, evaluate medical data, or shape injury-prevention strategies. Their curiosity fueled innovation in communication, and now we are bringing that same spirit into the heart of workers’ compensation! 

What Is Deep Research? 

Deep Research is an agentic AI capability. This is a fancy way of saying it is a model that can take your question, search the web in multiple steps, read credible sources, and compile a comprehensive, citation-backed report. Instead of giving you a quick summary like a standard model, Deep Research goes out, reads what is actually out there, and then comes back with a full explanation complete with sources, links, and context. Think of this as the difference between asking a coworker a question and hiring a full research assistant who brings back the data, the references, and a neat executive summary. 

In workers’ compensation, this can be a powerful tool. Imagine being able to ask, “What are the latest treatment success rates for lumbar strain in manufacturing employees?” or “What are the best practices for preventing delayed recovery?” and getting a six-page report summarizing the top medical journals, regulatory updates, and evidence-based approaches. You could have your own in-house research department without waiting three months for a white paper! (This gets exciting for some of us research nerds… yes, that’s me! J) 

Why Deep Research Matters in Workers’ Comp 

Our industry thrives on patterns, precedent, and proof. Whether analyzing loss runs, evaluating treatment guidelines, or developing safety protocols, we rely on data to make informed choices. Deep Research helps us find that data faster and interpret it more effectively. Instead of scrolling through outdated PDFs or trying to recall which state revised its telehealth reimbursement last quarter, you can ask Deep Research to find, verify, and summarize the information for you. 

For example, an adjuster could use Deep Research to examine trends in delayed reporting or psychosocial barriers to recovery. A risk manager could use it to identify the latest workplace safety innovations in similar industries. A medical management professional could use it to compare surgical outcomes versus physical therapy recovery rates across patient populations. These insights allow us to make data-driven decisions, not gut guesses, and that precision strengthens both claims outcomes and communication. 

Real-World Applications 

Time to bring this into everyday practice. Picture a claims team preparing for an employer’s quarterly review. Instead of manually pulling reports, they ask Deep Research to explore “emerging musculoskeletal injury trends in light industrial workforces in 2024–2025.” The tool reads current studies, regulatory updates, and industry publications, then delivers a structured, sourced summary with recommendations. The team walks into the meeting prepared to discuss prevention strategies, predictive analytics, and training recommendations with confidence and authority. 

Or think about a nurse case manager managing a high-cost chronic pain claim. By using Deep Research, they can pull evidence-based approaches for multidisciplinary pain management and identify which treatments have the strongest recovery outcomes. This helps guide provider conversations and supports justification for utilization review. When done well, it enhances both quality of care and cost control. Win:Win!  

For employers, Deep Research can identify the top trends in employee engagement around safety and wellness programs. Want to know which communication strategies reduce incident rates or which ergonomic investments yield the best ROI? Deep Research can find the data and compile it into an actionable plan. When knowledge becomes accessible, strategy becomes intentional. 

How Deep Research Works 

Unlike regular AI models that respond instantly, Deep Research takes time. This model is actually thinking. When you activate the tool, it asks clarifying questions to refine the search, ensuring the results are relevant to your true intent. Once you answer those questions, it launches into multi-step analysis performing searches, reviewing articles, cross-checking facts, to build a structured report that references every source it uses. (Make sure to double check that the references are real as sometimes the models like to hallucinate sources!) 

You could see updates like, “Researching peer-reviewed studies on return-to-work duration for shoulder injuries” or “Gathering data on state-level indemnity cost trends.” After several minutes, you receive a comprehensive, source-linked document that reads more like a professional briefing than an AI reply. In workers’ compensation this kind of accuracy is invaluable, especially in a space where every jurisdiction, regulation, and case type carries nuance. 

Using Deep Research Wisely 

With great power comes great responsibility (and yes, a little sparkle). Deep Research is only as strong as the instructions you give it. Prompting is important! The more context you include, the better your results. In workers’ compensation, this could include industry, claim type, audience, and intent. Start with clear prompts like: Research the impact of early intervention on workers’ compensation claim costs or summarize new state legislative trends affecting telehealth reimbursement in 2025. You could also ask for the AI Deep Research model to identify the top three evidence-based treatment strategies for repetitive strain injuries. 

Once you receive the report, take time to review, verify, and synthesize. This tool provides information and this is where you provide wisdom. Use it to inform your expertise as a tool. Keep an eye on source credibility, especially when citing results for legal or medical decisions. Deep Research is your assistant. It is a tool to support. 

How It Changes Learning and Leadership 

The magic of Deep Research is that it teaches. The more you use it, the more you uncover credible publications, new best practices, and innovative programs across the country. It bridges the gap between theory and application, empowering claims leaders to stay ahead of change. For training, it can generate research packets for new adjusters or HR staff, accelerating their learning curve and reinforcing evidence-based thinking. For executives, it can summarize entire policy shifts or national trends in a single report. 

When we combine our professional insight with AI’s ability to synthesize data, we are able to create a stronger, more informed workforce. Deep Research helps us shift from reactive to proactive, from catching up to leading forward. We need to be on the front end of claims, helping injured workers’ to take proactive claims management moving forward. In an industry that depends on trust, accuracy, and human care, this tool helps us make smarter decisions faster without losing the heart behind the work! 

Class Takeaway 

Deep Research is your all-access pass to smarter insights and stronger strategy. Deep Research curates information, connects it, and makes it useful. For workers’ compensation, it means fewer silos, better communication, and faster access to evidence that drives outcomes. The next time you are developing training, revising policy, or analyzing trends, let Deep Research be your partner in discovery. 

Your homework: Ask Deep Research to explore a question you have always wanted better data for, something that would truly help your team. Read the report, highlight what stands out, and share one new insight at your next team meeting. Learning together is how we grow stronger. Learn and pass it on! 

Class dismissed. ✨ 

Next week: Civics Class! Ethics, Privacy, and Guardrails in AI for Workers’ Compensation 

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