Employers and other workers' compensation/disability management payers tend to become complacent about long-term, complex claims. Many employees who suffer injuries or illnesses affecting more than one body system and requiring intense home health care stabilize and adjust to their "new normal." After reaching that stage, it is easy for the patient and the payer to lay low for a while. If the claimant is not complaining, and there are no big-ticket bills, then it is easy to let sleeping dogs lie.
This is a dangerous and expensive strategy. Dormant claims can be a ticking time bomb, blowing up suddenly and requiring hospitalization, 24-hour home health care or other costly interventions. One medical crisis can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in many cases involve life-threatening conditions.
Numerous factors play into a medical incident, including the aging process, medications, weight gain, multiple physician involvement, change in residence, change in family/caregiver support system, and co-morbidities. As claimants age they become more susceptible to muscle weakness, torn or worn-out shoulders, polypharmacy issues, and co-morbidities such as diabetes.
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