The situation with the COVID-19 outbreak remains an ever-changing situation and we want you to know we are monitoring the situation and the implications of the virus. The restrictions necessitated by COVID-19 to protect the injured workers, physicians, providers, and case managers require Systemedic case managers to be creative in their roles and interactions. Because Systemedic case managers maintain strong professional relationships with physicians and other provider groups, we have been able to obtain the information needed by our customers to manage their claims in a timely manner and ensure the injured workers are getting the medical and rehabilitation care they need.
Specifically, our case managers are focused in three areas:
Safety
- Case managers proactively stay updated on signs and symptoms of COVID-19
- Case managers educate injured workers on protecting themselves while attending provider appointments, including social distancing
Coordinating care
- As is our normal practice, we continue to maintain contact every seven to ten days with injured workers, more frequently if indicated
- Attend on-site appointments when feasible
- Participate in telemedicine appointments
- Have injured workers put the case manager on speakerphone during their appointments so they can hear what the doctor says and ask questions
- Assist therapy facilities to provide treatment to the injured workers who need it most within COVID-19 restrictions
- Educate the injured workers on performing a home exercise program while awaiting surgery to be scheduled
Communication
- Communicate with injured workers immediately after an appointment when the case manager was unable to physically attend, reviewing the information from the provider and the treatment plan
- Communicate with customers within one to two hours of an appointment via post-onsite email.
- Provide customer updates after each telephone contact with the injured worker to assure them the cases are being handled aggressively
- Notification of appointment changes made by physicians and ensure the injured workers are aware of these
- Written communication to physicians prior to appointments with questions to be addressed at the appointment, such as current status, treatment plan, work status, MMI etc.
Of course, the safety of our healthcare providers, injured workers, and employees is of upmost concern. If you have questions or need to refer an injured worker please give us a call, 501.227.5553 or email Karen Miller at kmiller@systemedic.com
