VOC REFERRAL INDICATORS
 

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Overview
With Arkansas employers' exposure increasing from $75,000 to $178,750, as of January 1, 2009 (Death & Permanent Disability), vocational services are more important than ever in  your cost containment and return-to-work program.

Systemedic's vocational rehab division offers a comprehensive program of vocational services including evaluation of work potential, job opening surveys, development of rehabilitation & return-to-work plans, implementation and follow up. Our experienced and certified vocational specialists provide statewide coverage of Arkansas, as well as national job market/job openings research and documentation.

Types of Claims
Systemedic provides vocational services in workers' compensation, personal injury/liability, FELA and long-term disability.

Vocational Services Menu
The following services are available from Systemedic's vocational division for claims needing vocational assessment, return-to-work intervention, current job openings research, and other specific vocational services.

Referrals: To refer for vocational services, call Systemedic at 800-822-2680, or check the services needed below, and fax to: 800-227-8362.

View a list of indicators for referral to vocational services.

Read a brief summary of Arkansas regulations pertaining to voc/rehab.

For more information, contact:
Tom Strickland
Phone: 501-227-5553 or 800-822-2680 (ext. 114)
Fax: 501-227-8362
Gay Signoff
Phone: 501-227-5553 or 800-822-2680 (ext. 124)
Fax: 501 227-8362

Use this link if you would like to refer a case to Systemedic.

Claims Indicators for Referral for Vocational Services

• Medical records or treating professionals indicate employee may not be able to return to customary employment due to residual disability/limitations.

• Employer expresses concerns about taking injured employee back to work because of no lighter jobs.

• Employer willing to return employee to work, but written or video job analysis needs to be done for review by treating professionals to communicate specific job requirements, physical demands, etc.

• Employer needs assistance in determining reasonable accommodations necessary for returning worker with residual limitations (particularly important in view of ADA, which mandates identification of essential job functions and reasonable accommodation of employee limitations.

• Claimant has reached maximum medical recovery and is at the end of the healing period, but there is no return-to-work or vocational plan in place in preparation for a hearing and/or settlement.

• Claimant expresses concern or anxiety about possibility of returning to customary job, has questions about vocational abilities and type of work that can be performed.

• Evidence of poor motivation, negative attitude, secondary gain or indications that return-to-work is not a primary goal in the recovery process.

Summary of Arkansas regulations pertaining to Voc/Rehab
In Arkansas workers' compensation, the provision of vocational rehabilitation services and return-to-work assistance for injured workers is well established by practice and supported by case law. These services are commonly offered proactively by the employer, third-party administrator, or carrier claims representative, but may be requested by the claimant and his or her legal representative, or in workers' comp, by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) prior to a final ruling or settlement.

Although not currently mandated by Arkansas comp law, Rule 33 notes the role of "assigned vocational rehabilitation counselor" [VII (1) (d) (2)], and "return-to-work and disability management" as implied MCO services [VII (1) (c) (4)].