Is Your Comp Medical Provider Brochure Complete?

It is more than a good idea that you have a brochure for the doctors and clinics that will ultimately care for your injured workers.

If it seems like there is a never-ending trail of paperwork and computer files to go over, that is likely the case.

One of the many facets of running a business is looking out for your employees, especially there physical well-being. It is almost a given that some of them will suffer some sort of injury while under your employ. As a result, it is critical that you have plans in place to quickly and effectively treat them.

With that in mind, it is more than a good idea that you have a brochure for the doctors and clinics that will ultimately care for your injured workers.

Make sure these 10 items are part of the brochure:

Company description – This can be brief, but should be an overview of what your business does;
Company location – In the event the company is nearby, it doesn’t hurt to encourage provider visits;
Company job descriptions – This is where you want to explain the original work that was undertaken;
Company description for transitional duty program – In this arena, be sure to include the purpose behind and importance to your business;
Company necessity for medical limitations/abilities on initial visit – Keep in mind that this is very important so that the claim does not turn into a lost-time claim;
Company sample transitional duty job descriptions – Here is where you describe possible modifications and alternative positions as examples. Make sure you are clear to customize positions to fit whatever restrictions are in place;
Company how-to-referral specialists – The goal here is to provide an easy process;
Company procedure on paying bills – It is important to make sure the treating physicians know that their bills will be paid promptly and the procedures for such. In the event you offer extra pay for extended office visits, be sure to mention that. Instead of decreasing the bills, look at paying a little more to receive the quality care your employees’ need and is required to place them on transitional duty;
Company medical advisor, RNs, PT, etc. on-site or on retainer. Doctors respond the fastest when contacted by fellow physicians. Best practice companies typically have in-house medical advisers or part-time contract medical advisers. Both prove cost-efficient. In addition to letting you to get accurate restrictions in a fast manner, establish causation (or not), having a medical advisor can also work to deter workers who may be trying to malinger or exaggerate said symptoms;
Company contact info for Adjuster, Work Comp Manager, Medical Advisor -including phone, and email – Last but not least, companies need to avoid missing the chance to set the stage with the medical professionals that treat their workers. Upfront planning can make the medical treatment portion of a claim much smoother and ultimately more effective.

Author Rebecca Shafer, JD, President of Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. is a national expert in the field of workers compensation. She is a writer, speaker, and publisher. Her expertise is working with employers to reduce workers compensation costs, and her clients include airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality, and manufacturing. She is the co-author of the #1 selling book on cost containment, Workers Compensation Management Program: Reduce Costs 20% to 50%. Contact:.

Contact: RShafer@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com.

Workers’ Comp Roundup Blog: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/

Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker, attorney, or qualified professional.