Watch below as Nurse Case Manager Becky Goodyear, shares the challenges employees and employers face and how our Nurse Case Managers can help.  

What is a catastrophic claim?

A catastrophic claim involves a severe injury that often requires multiple medical professionals working together to ensure the best outcome. They often also include extended Intensive Care Unit (ICU) stays. Examples of catastrophic injuries are: 

• Crush injuries 
• Multiple fractures 
• Internal injuries 
• Brain injuries

How we help 

Typically, a Nurse Case Manager meets with the injured worker and their family at either the hospital or in a rehab setting. During their meeting, they ensure the worker is receiving the care they need, along with helping them understand how their medical needs will be covered and how they will be compensated for their lost time from work.  

Events like these are traumatic and overwhelming. As registered nurses, our Nurse Case Managers are there to confirm all medical facilities are receiving the complete information needed for the best care. 

Our Difference

At Previsor, our Nurse Case Managers have more autonomy to approve treatment, equipment, and supplies for injured employees. Catastrophic claims receive their additional attention and guidance. This reduces delays in getting the injured worker is getting the care that they need. 

As our Nurse Case Managers work so closely with the injured workers, we build closer relationships with our policyholders to help earn their trust, giving them the confidence they deserve.   

The post Catastrophic Claims: We’re Here to Help  appeared first on MEM.

Watch as our Field Service Manager, Terri Sweeten, explains the four steps to making the process clearer and easier.

Step 1 – Seek medical care for the injured worker 

When an employee is injured on the job, obtaining medical care is a priority. Call 911 if an incident results in a head or neck injury, severe bleeding or leaves an employee unresponsive. For non-emergent injuries, like strains or sprains, contact a healthcare provider.  

Employers should create an incident plan that identifies preferred: 

• Medical providers 
• Urgent care providers 
• Occupational therapy providers 

In the state of Missouri, the employer has the right to direct medical care. Employees may choose their own healthcare provider, but it may also be at their own expense. Directing medical care ensures employees get the right care sooner.  

Step 2 – Report the claim  

After care is arranged for the injured worker, employers need to report the claim in a timely manner. Reporting within 24 hours helps capture important incident details before they are forgotten. Timely reporting also enables work comp experts to provide employers with assistance and support.  

Step 3 – Complete an incident investigation 

Completing an incident investigation helps reveal the true cause of an injury and build safer workplaces. These procedures should include collecting: 

• Witness statements 
• Photos/Videos of the incident and surroundings 

• Post-incident drug and alcohol testing  

Step 4 – Return to work 

Return to work programs help injured workers get back to work sooner and reduce work comp costs. Some job tasks may need to be released or eliminated until they are fully recovered. If accommodation can’t be provided, then a temporary role elsewhere is an alternative. An employee’s physician should always guide their return to the job. 

The post Work Comp Incidents: 4 Steps to Follow When a Worker is Injured  appeared first on MEM.