7 Ways Claims Management Reduces Your Costs
Saturday, August 30, 2003 | 0
Employers can control and reduce their workers' compensation annual direct costs by 25 to 50 percent by utilizing an effective case management system. The system directs injured workers toward approved medical care, at the inception of the claim. This type of program merits consideration based on the following benefits:
1. It ensures prompt communication between all parties.
As soon as the case manager is alerted that an injury has occurred, he/she becomes the center of contact, by coordinating the services and communication between all parties.
2. Injured workers are directed to the appropriate medical provider.
The case manager directs the injured worker to a qualified medical facility and has already negotiated reduced prices for services. This also ensures claim medical control.
3. The case manager can report inconsistencies to the insurance carrier for further investigation.
If there is a question relating to the mechanism of the injury or if the injured worker is not truly injured, the case manager can report their concerns to the carrier for further follow up.
4. The injured worker works with an employee advocate.
The case manager works closely with the injured worker during the life of the claim. The case manager is constantly following up with the injured worker to ensure that he/she is following the treatment plan, physician's orders, medications and physical therapy.
5. The process is positive.
Due to the fact that a case manager is assigned to the case, adversarial relationships between the injured worker, employer and physicians are less likely to arise.
6. It decreases the lost time or modified work time, thereby reducing the cost of the claim.
An efficient disability management program decreases costs and closes claims 50 to 75 percent faster. The case manager continually works on creative back-to-work or modified duty alternatives. Employers are usually more amenable to partial or light duty when the case manager assures them that the injured worker is being compliant to treatment.
7. Reduces litigation, and therefore, reduces the cost of a claim.
If an injured worker believes that their employer cares about them and is providing them with appropriate medical treatment, they are motivated to return to work sooner and are less likely to obtain an attorney.
Article by Cynthia Robinson-Korn, president of CM Claims Management, working with employers and injured workers together to ensure timely and effective claims handling and rapid return to work. Cynthia can be reached by phone at 909-920-4159, or by e-mail at cmclaimsmgt@msn.com.
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