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Overview
Our Rehabilitation Management division offers a comprehensive program of vocational services including evaluation and opinion, development of rehabilitation/return-to-work plans, implementation and follow up. Our experienced 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 & Referral Link
The following services are available from Systemedic's Rehabilitation Management division for claims needing vocational assessment, return-to-work intervention, current job openings research, and other specific vocational services.

This is your Quick Referral link: Just click the selected service(s) and refer electronically.

Work Site Assessment/Modification/Employer Consultation—expedites return-to-work and employee retention by fully exploring all job options with the employer.
Video Job Analysis (2-3 minutes) of claimant's actual job duties for review and return-to-work approval by attending physicians and/or therapists.
Initial Vocational Evaluation to assess and document employability—with specific recommendations for facilitating return-to-work.
Professional Job Match/Labor Market Survey—Identification and documentation of current local job openings matched to claimant's physical abilities. We utilize public and private internet and software products. Available in all 50 states.
Comp Pre-Release service—Designed for attending physicians use to promote timely and appropriate release to previous (or modified) job.  MD provided with FCE/Video Job Analysis summary for return-to-work approval.
Free File Consultation—Telephone or in-office claim review with vocational services manager Tom Strickland, Heather Naylor or Edie Nichols, to discuss vocational issues and solutions. 227-5553 or 800-822-2680.
Forensic File Consultation—A vocational evaluation, opinion and report using only written medical and other records/reports. No personal contacts. RMI staff are available for subsequent depositions or ALJ hearings, if requested.
Job Acquisition Coaching—One-to-one instruction with claimant on locating and obtaining a job. Includes limited vocational counseling, DVD video training, job application tips, local resources identification and a current list of local job leads.
Transitional Employment Plan (TEP) Implementation—Coordination of a time-specific (usually 4–6 weeks) Transitional Employment Plan for return-to-work at old job, modified job or new job with employer. A return-to-work team (claimant, employer, immediate supervisor, physician, vocational counselor) agree to specific responsibilities for promote success.
Job Skills Training—In cases involving work histories of only manual labor, no job skills for lighter employment, or significant wage loss issues—a short-term training program can be a cost-effective choice—and promote claim settlement. This service determines what type of skills training is needed/realistic for claimant, and what is available locally at reasonable cost.
Communication/Translation Services for Spanish-speaking workers ready to return to the workforce, or who need specific vocational counseling/assistance. Our translators are trained in the basics of workers' compensation.
 

Attention:
  Heather Taylor, MRC, CRC
  Edie Nichols, MRC, CRC  
  Tom Strickland, M.Ed.
 
Call me to staff case.
I am sending referral/file info by mail/courier.
Please come by my office to pick up referral.
   
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View a list of indicators for referral to vocational/rehabilitation 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. 123)
Fax: 501 227-8362

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

Indicators for referral to vocational/rehabilitation management

  • 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)].
       

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