Rarely Used Medical Providers – Employers Put Them on Your Referral List

Let us cover some of the rarely used medical providers that need to be on an employer’s list of workers comp medical treatment referral lists.  Yes, there are some states that allow the injured employee to make their own medical treatment choices.  However, many studies have shown the employee will usually treat where they are directed by their employer.

One of my Six Keys to Workers Comp savings and claim cost control (while providing excellent care) for your injured workers is having a list of medical providers that can be accessed on a moment’s notice  See my Six Keys to Workers Comp Savings.

First Rule For Using These Providers

The first set of advice for employers remains the same.  Always check with your TPA for self insureds or insurance carrier.  Your company may have signed an agreement in which providers must be used in their medical network listings.

In my claim background, from adjuster trainee to Director, tense situations occurred when these rarely used medical providers did not appear on an employer’s list.  Many other types of rarely used medical providers may be added to an employer’s lists.  The below rarely used medical providers were required in the claims that I reviewed or adjusted during my career.

Dentist – a 24-hour emergency dental practice can be critical.  I recently sustained a severe injury that happened over a weekend.  Waiting for my dentist to open in two days was not a great feeling.

Optometrist/Ophthalmologist – Eye injuries can be a devastating occurrence for an injured employee.

Walk-In Clinics – one cost-saving technique that I have recommended since the 1980s that also guarantees that an injured employee will be seen soon after an injury.

24-hour Pharmacies – especially needed for multi-shift employers.

Radiological Facilities – this one comes as a recommendation that not all radiological facilities may be in your network. Check closely with your insurance carrier or TPA to find the nearest one.

Labs – same as the radiological facilities to stay in your network.

Nearest Emergency Room – no explanation required here.

Remote Providers  – if an employer has mobile employees such as truck drivers, knowing where the nearest medical treatment facilities can be beyond critical for cost savings and proper immediate treatment.

This blog post is provided by James Moore, AIC, MBA, ChFC, ARM, and is republished with permission from J&L Risk Management Consultants. Visit the full website at www.cutcompcosts.com.

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