How to Introduce a Preferred Provider Network to Your Company

6 Steps to Introduce the Preferred Provider Organization to Your Company
A PPO, or preferred (sometimes “participating”) provider organization or network is a managed care organization who agrees with the third-party administrator or insurance company to provide reduced rates to their clients. In addition to the preferred rates, there is hopefully preferred service also so that employees are treated promptly with little waiting time, and are treated well — almost like a preferred customer. The medical providers should have occupational medical experience and regard return to productive employment as top priority.

Your company’s general manager needs to create a personal relationship with the PPO clinic that provides medical care to his/her employees. Workers’ Comp Kit (http://www.workerscompkit.com/) recommends inviting the clinic director and administrator to your physical work site for a visit.

Establishing this relationship helps put your company’s priorities into focus. It is always best to have a face and place in mind when accomplishing any job, especially one involving employee health. You want clinic personnel to know your company, the type of workplace setting, job requirements and your managment approach.

In writing this invitation, be sure to include all your contact information as well as the employee and provider brochures.

Some other tips:
1. Be polite. Let them know you are pleased they are part of your insurance network.
2. Express that quality of care in your company is a top priority.
3. Let them know you want to be prepared when injuries occur, but let them know this is not a frequent event.
4. Explain the company offers a transitional duty program and you need the PPO’s cooperation.
5. Ask if the PPO administrators would be willing to visit your facility to meet employees, view work conditions and see the jobs employees perform.
6. Finalize by asking they email to suggest a date for such a meeting. (workersxzcompxzkit)

Author Robert Elliott, executive vice president, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, health care, manufacturing, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. He can be contacted at: [email protected] or 860-786-8286.

We are accepting short articles* (200-300 words) on WC cost containment. Send to: [email protected]. *Non-compensable.

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