Understanding and retaining occupational medicine providers

An occupational medicine provider (worker’s compensation physician) specializes in treating workers who have sustained work-related injuries or illnesses. Unlike general practitioners, these physicians are well-versed in the intricacies of workers' compensation laws and the specific medical needs of injured workers. Their primary role is to diagnose, treat, and manage the recovery of workers, ensuring they receive appropriate care and can return to work safely.

Developing a workers’ compensation plan that includes using designated medical providers can help ensure appropriate care and faster recovery while saving costs. 

Value to worker safety programs

• Diagnosing conditions and recommending treatment: They assess the worker's injury or illness, provide a diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan. If necessary, they will provide an opinion on the cause of work injury.
• Establishing limitations and support needs: By providing physical restrictions to promote recovery from a work injury, they determine any functional limitations the worker may have.
• Additional treatment or clearance: They decide when the worker may need treatment with another specialist or has returned to pre-injury status often referred to as maximum medical improvement (MMI).
• Authorizing time off and return to work: They authorize any necessary time off from work and provide clearance for the worker to return to their job, specifying any restrictions if needed.
• Filing necessary documentation: They complete and submit required forms to establish themselves as the attending physician and ensure proper processing of the worker's compensation claim.

Types of injuries diagnosed

Workers' compensation physicians are skilled in diagnosing a wide range of work-related injuries including:

• Musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, and fractures
• Repetitive stress injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome
• More severe conditions such as traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries

Their expertise ensures that workers receive accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.

Directed care

Many employers are unaware of their right in some states to designate workers’ compensation physicians for their injured workers. Selecting a medical provider or panel before a work-related injury occurs can help increase recovery time, save costs, prevent delays in treatment, and avoid unnecessary urgent care or emergency room (ER) visits, and excessive medical tests. 

By pre-selecting a network or panel, the employer can share with them the unique aspects of their business, typical injuries and modified work options that are available as part of a successful return-to-work program. 

For more information, explore Nationwide’s digital claims kit which has each state's rules about choice of physician along with a link to in-network providers.

Facilitating return to work

A knowledgeable workers' compensation physician plays a crucial role in getting injured workers back on the job. They develop tailored rehabilitation plans that consider the employee's specific job requirements and physical capabilities. By coordinating with employers, they ensure that workers can return to their duties in a limited or full capacity as soon as it is safe to do so. This collaborative approach helps maintain productivity while supporting the employee's recovery.

Retaining a skilled workers' compensation physician can significantly benefit a company's bottom line. These physicians help reduce the duration and cost of workers' compensation claims by providing efficient and effective care. They also assist in minimizing lost workdays by facilitating quicker recoveries and safe returns to work. This not only improves employee morale but also enhances overall productivity and reduces the financial burden of prolonged absences.