Case Management Focus

The workers' compensation system is complex and challenging for many physicians to navigate. This leads to many physicians refusing to treat injured workers. As a result, many states are faced with shortages of adequate physicians and specialists to evaluate and treat injured workers. Physician shortages result in delays in care, excessive lost time, additional stress for both the employer and the employee, and challenges for the claims adjustor, who must meet deadlines on each case.  

In this article, I outline some of the challenges physicians face and how having a nurse case manager involved can help providers gain a new perspective on working in the area of workers' compensation. 

If you are experiencing shortages in your provider networks, I hope these tips will help you and your organization find providers who can meet the needs of your injured workman population.

If you have questions or would like to suggest a topic for a future post, please email Anne Llewellyn at [email protected] 

• Anne Llewellyn

  Anne Llewellyn is a registered nurse with over forty years of experience in critical care, risk management, case management, patient advocacy, healthcare publications and training and development. Anne has been a leader in the area of Patient Advocacy since 2010. She was a Founding member of the Patient Advocate Certification Board and is currently serving on the National Association of Health Care Advocacy. Anne writes a weekly Blog, Nurse Advocate to share stories and events that will educate and empower people be better prepared when they enter the healthcare system.