When an individual suffers a workplace injury, as workers’ compensation professionals, we work to put them on a path to recovery. But we all know even the most well thought out plan can go awry. Here are four factors that can impact the recovery timeline of an injured worker and solutions for how to proactively mitigate risks before they cause the lifetime of a claim to extend.

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As the telemedicine industry continues to boom, we’re seeing more and more new forms of telehealth emerge in the marketplace. Telehealth variations include tele-rehab, remote patient monitoring and even utilization of “avatar-like” nurses by hospital systems and providers. In this new world of telehealth, we need to continually be looking for innovative modes by which triage and telephonic case managers can connect with the individuals they serve and engage them on their road to recovery.

As healthcare evolves, public entities are looking for new programs that promise savings and improved outcomes. However, if a change is initiated but poorly managed, it can have a detrimental effect—disrupting members’ access to care. It’s essential to consider the following best practices to ensure a change goes smoothly with minimal disruption: 

Medical costs are expected to grow again in 2019 at a rate that will outpace inflation. As a result, many public entities are being pressured to consider new and innovative approaches to their health benefits. This type of change in strategy can help them achieve both quality and affordable care. However, organizations must also ensure that the value to employees will far outweigh any risk or disruption the change will bring. Here are three good reasons to consider such a change:

From a risk management perspective, patient handling injuries to first responders remain a frequent and severe source of loss and expense to public entities. This reality is indicative of the need for cultural changes that will result in first responders consistently using body mechanics and equipment properly; even in the heat of the moment. Bryan Fass from Fit Responder offers additional insight: