Contact (UPMC Health Plan): Gina Pferdehirt Director, Public Relations & Community Relations UPMC Health Plan 412-454-4953 pferdehirtgm@upmc.edu

UPMC WorkPartners names Dr. Michael M. Rowe Senior Medical Director

PITTSBURGH (December 1, 2016) – Michael M. Rowe, DO has been named Senior Medical Director for UPMC WorkPartners. In his new position Dr. Rowe is responsible for leading the design and implementation of many medical management initiatives to improve quality and cost-effectiveness of care for our clients and their injured workers.

Dr. Rowe has broad experience spanning 15 years in primary care, occupational medicine, claim review, and medical cost containment. As an on-site medical expert, he brings a hands-on approach to treating injured workers and determining return-to-work strategies that are important to clients. He is a subject matter expert in disability management and understands that the treatment of a work-related injury differs from a traditional medical model because the goal is to restore or maintain the ability to continue gainful employment in addition to restoring wellness.

David Weir, President of UPMC WorkPartners, is extremely excited to have Dr. Rowe provide additional depth and breadth of knowledge to the team that helps UPMC WorkPartners deliver an unbeatable strategy for claims management that achieves the best possible outcomes for all of our clients. Dr. Rowe will provide outreach to treating physicians to enhance their understanding of a strong “return to work” program. He will provide mentoring, education, and leadership to drive better outcomes in disability management and return-to-work programs.

As a licensed pharmacist, Dr. Rowe’s experience will facilitate appropriate drug utilization and work to avoid opioid abuse. His overall expertise brings a great understanding of pre-hire issues, which will save employers time and money in onboarding employees.

Before joining the UPMC WorkPartners, Dr. Rowe oversaw occupational and urgent care clinics as well as onsite programs for Concentra Medical Center and has practiced family and occupational medicine for more than 16 years.

A graduate of Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Dr. Rowe additionally has a pharmacy degree from Duquesne University.

He is a member of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, American Osteopathic Association and American Academy of Family Physicians.

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About UPMC WorkPartners

Part of UPMC’s global health enterprise, UPMC WorkPartners provides health and productivity solutions to high-performing companies throughout the United States. Formed in 1997, UPMC WorkPartners has continued to expand services in an effort to help its clients strategically manage the health and well-being of their employees. UPMC WorkPartners believes that workplace health is linked to productivity and, ultimately, the bottom line. Its mission is to provide its clients with effective solutions to improve the health and productivity of their employees. Its suite of services includes workers’ compensation, absence management, employee assistance programs, employer health services, health management and wellness, and consulting services. UPMC WorkPartners is part of the UPMC Insurance Services Division, which offers a full range of insurance programs and products to more than 3 million members.