- Speed up return-to-work times
- Reduce fraud
- Improve uptake of employer-recommended medical providers
- Head off litigation
Once upon a time, communicating with injured workers was almost taboo—perhaps believed to be an invasion of privacy or maybe even an invitation for worker’s compensation lawsuits. But the tide is changing.
In fact, multiple studies have shown that “post-injury demonstrations of concern by an employer can result in higher levels of worker satisfaction and reduced time lost from work—factors that contribute to lower program costs,” according to the New Jersey Department of Labor’s Employer’s Guide to Worker’s Compensation.
But even if employers decide communication with injured workers is their best bet at reducing costs, how can they—or their claims adjusters— manage those communications so that they are consistent, timely and effective?
With multiple parties involved—including the injured worker, the care provider, human resources, etc.—and multiple follow-ups that need to happen at certain points throughout the life of the claim, it can be easy to lose track of where communications stand.
That’s where automated workflows within a modern RMIS platform can be of great help. Armed with task creation and follow up capabilities like e-mail templates and e-mail tracking, those called upon to participate in the communication process can stay on task and on time.
Such capabilities create even greater efficiencies if tied to automated workflow tools that trigger notifications once certain criteria in the system are met. For example, entering data like the date an employee’s check will be mailed could automatically trigger an e-mail to the employee regarding the status of his or her payment.
The benefit is two-fold: With one simple input, an individual representing the company both documents important information and communicates that information to the employee. At the same time, the injured worker is put at ease about an important payment he or she is awaiting—potentially building goodwill toward the employer.
Setting up these data-driven workflows in a RMIS doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, either. Make sure you either select or are using a platform that is flexible enough for you to make adjustments to your schedule as you see fit.
Conclusion
Communicating early and often with injured workers can create savings in your worker’s comp program, but make sure you have a structure for those communications that can save you time and increase effectiveness at the same time. The Origami Risk's Claims Management Software has many tools to help make sure adjuster communicate efficiently.
To learn more about other ways to get ahead of Workers Compensation Claims, contact us.