Workers Comp Medical Specialty Networks – Immediate Referrals Key
Workers’ Compensation medical specialty networks should be part of every employer’s network, not just the one provided by your insurance carrier or TPA at renewal. Immediate referrals fulfill part of providing injured employees with immediate care while cutting Workers’ Comp costs.
I have often posted, presented, and provided advice on the SECOND LEVEL providers beyond the initial treating physician. The Six Keys to Cutting Workers’ Comp Costs list that I wrote in the 1980s still stands today. The original list was actually four. I added two more over the years.
One of the Original Four Keys
Workers comp medical networks provide faster care and save WC $. Medical networks that an employer establishes, even specialty networks, ensure that employees who incur uncommon injuries still receive immediate care. See this recent article on networks.
My Own Experience
Recently, I had a serious eye infection. I had an unofficial medical network set up, as my Optometrist saw me the next morning after I called in with an immediate medical concern. If I did not have an informal eye care professional established for care, where would I have gone? How long would I have sat waiting for an appointment?
The same goes for injured employees. Workers’ Comp medical specialty networks would work the same way. If an employee gets metal in their eye, where would you send them for immediate treatment?
The Optometrist treated me for five days and decided to make an immediate referral to an Ophthalmologist with a Stat referral. One of the business offices in Raleigh worked me in the next business day. I had a very serious infection – long story. The Ophthalmologist gave me two very potent prescriptions, which have corrected my vision almost back to normal.
All of this happened in two weeks with a major Holiday in the middle. I will see the Ophthalmologist again next week. That totals four appointments in three weeks with two medical specialists.
Workers Comp Medical Specialty Networks – Bottom Line
Know where to send your injured employees, even if they have uncommon injuries, even if they are not the usual original treating physician where you usually send them. It worked for me. It can work for you.
