Access to Care Challenges? WCRI Panel Shares Tips

Conference Insights

It's well-know that the quicker an injured worker gets medical care, the quicker she'll be back on the job. However, in many parts of the country, particularly in rural areas, which have faced recent hospital closures, getting to care might mean a long drive or getting creative about providers.

At WCRI's annual conference, Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer of Liberty Mutual, Jessica Moyers of the Hershey Company, and Jeff Nelson of the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation, addressed possible solutions to getting injured workers in front of providers quicker, including by having the providers come to the workers.

"Invite the providers into your facility," Moyers said. "Let them know what they do and what workers will return to."

But not all providers can be brought to a facility, so what other options are there?

"When there's only one physical therapist that's 35 miles away, we drive," Moyers said.

'Healthcare ain't what it Used to Be'

Capelli-Schellpfeffer said that changing times demand changing approaches, an evolution that COVID helped accelerate.

"Healthcare ain't what it used to be, Capelli-Schellpfeffer said, highlighting the role of networks and what resources employers can tap into.

Capelli-Schellpfeffer also pointed to delays presenting major challenges to injured workers.

"Trying to schedule a doctor visit or a surgery may take weeks or months," she said. "It's frustrating, but it also impacts an injured worker's ability to get back to work."

So, what's the solution? Thinking broadly and turning to answers like direct contracting with providers, having 24/7 nurse triage, and telehealth.

"It's not just one network, but a collection of strategies," Capelli-Schellpfeffer said. "Collaboration and claims relationships resolves the reason they're being treated and returns them to work."

Culture of Care

Moyers reported that Hershey turns to some efforts that might not always be successful at return-to-work outcomes but are still worth it because of what they communicate to the workforce.

"They know they're supported and we care; that's invaluable," Moyers said. "There isn't much cost savings, but it's a culture piece."

For example, having a first aid team onsite can help workers feel they are supported as can open lines of communication.

"If they have something to say, give someone to talk to," Moyers said. "You know, third shift always gets ignored, but you need to make sure that it looks the same at 2 a.m. as does at 2 in the afternoon.

Capelli-Schellpfeffer agreed.

"It's about total worker health," Capelli-Schellpfeffer said. "Injured worker care should be on the continuum of care for workers."

Share This Article: