Managed Care

Building your Return to Work Toolkit, Step 1

Andrea Kiener
Reading time 3 Mins
Published on Nov 16
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Recently, we talked about your Return to Work Starter Kit…now it’s time to build your Return to Work Toolkit.

Employers face many difficulties trying to help an injured worker return to work after a job site injury. Studies show that the longer an injured employee is off work, the more difficult it is for them to return to work. This not only effects an employers’ premiums and production, it can also have an effect on the quality of life of the injured employee. Early intervention and return to work are crucial elements for the best case scenario when it comes to an Ohio workers’ compensation claim.

The first step in developing your Return to Work Toolkit is to collaborate with your Managed Care Organization (MCO). It is important to communication early and often with your MCO regarding each specific workplace injury you may have. It is equally important to collaborate with your MCO even before you have any incidents. Your MCO needs to understand your organization’s philosophy regarding return to work options, but they can also make suggestions on what else your company may be able to do to expand your return to work success. For example, they may suggest that you share all of your job descriptions with them immediately. Job descriptions and job description analysis assists in the creation of a modified duty/light duty job offer.

If an injured employee is not able to return to work in their normal capacity, an employer may offer them a modified duty position.  Many employers struggle to create modified duty positions, but your MCO can assist you with this task, especially if they have your company’s job descriptions. Your MCO may be able to discuss a hybrid approach with the treating physician where the injured employee would perform some of his/her regular job duties as well as duties from other positions.

Working with the experts to develop a modified duty position will not only help shave those lost days from your workers’ compensation experience, it will also help keep your premiums low. Lost time claims are the most expensive claims for employers, reducing lost days or keeping them to a minimum will have a direct impact on claims cost.

Lost time is the one factor that has the most impact on Ohio workers’ compensation premiums. Therefore, it’s essential that all the tools and strategies available are used as quickly and as often as possible.


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