Employers should have a list of physicians for injured employees who are pre-approved to provide medical treatment. This list of providers is often referred to as the “panel of physicians.” Even in states where employers are unable to direct care it is encouraged to have options available should the injured worker ask. It’s important to review the panel to ensure the best possible medical care for injured workers and Workers’ Compensation outcomes.
Following are five reasons why a physician panel review is critical.
- Location Availability and Accessibility: Make sure the physicians on your list are still practicing at the location listed. A physician may have moved or retired without your being notified. Also, ensure physicians are available in locations convenient for injured workers. This is especially important for temporary staffing firms that place workers at different host employers in various locations.
- Specialization and Expertise in Workplace Injuries and Accidents: Ensure the panel of physicians has relevant expertise and specialization in the types of injuries or medical conditions typically associated with Workers’ Compensation cases. In addition, an occupational health provider who is accustomed to treating workplace injuries will also be able to determine if restricted light-duty work is an option for the injured worker. Having providers aligned with your Early Return-to-Work program helps employees recover faster and stay in the routine of working and feeling productive. It also helps control overall Workers’ Compensation claim costs and, ultimately, future premiums.
- Post-Accident Drug Testing (PADT) Capabilities: If saliva-based tests are not utilized at your facility, choose providers who understand the importance of performing a PADT following a workplace incident. A PADT program is one of the foundational risk management programs employers should implement to help reduce workplace injuries and improve safety and productivity. The claim outcome might also be affected if an impaired worker caused an accident and subsequent injury.
- Customer Service: Evaluate whether injured employees receive the quality care they deserve. Assess the ability of the physicians to communicate effectively and build rapport with your injured workers. Good communication is essential for understanding and addressing the injured employee’s needs and will go a long way to help with positive claim outcomes.
- Ethical Practices: A trusting relationship with providers is key. Ensure the panel of physicians you’re partnering with is doing what’s best for all parties involved.
It’s always good to periodically review your panel of physicians for Workers’ Compensation to ensure your injured workers are getting the best possible treatment while remaining aligned with your goals to help employees return to work as soon as they can.
About Prescient National
Prescient National offers Workers’ Compensation insurance solutions to employers based on their individual needs, risk-taking appetite, and loss history: guaranteed cost policies, small-, midsize-, and large-deductible policies, retrospective rating policies, excess/self-insurance, and captive options.
