This patient-centered approach positively affects employee health outcomes and employer spending. In addition to reducing costs for employers by improving outcomes and minimizing indemnity claims, it improves morale by letting injured workers know they are more than just "a case" or a problem to be solved. (Photo: Graham Oliver/Adobe Stock)
Experience in workers' compensation quickly teaches us that no two companies' situations are the same — every organization and its employees have unique needs, even if they are in the same industry. Despite this, the development of provider networks has traditionally taken a one-size-fits-all approach. As the workers' compensation industry moves toward a patient-centered approach to care, it is time to take a closer look at provider networks and the benefits of a tailored approach.
|Patient-first mindset
We are seeing a profound shift in workers' compensation, from a focus on transactions and cost control to patient-centered care. For example, 24/7 triage lines are managed by nurses focused on treating the patient first, communication with injured employees helps them navigate the process, and new technology is being leveraged to spot potential issues in advance and identify solutions. Early detection of these warning signs indicates the need for a course correction within the claims or patient care process, decreasing the likelihood of patient complications or costly, drawn-out claims.
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