Contact Information: Contacts: Henry Stimpson Stimpson Communications 508-647-0705 HStimpson@StimpsonCommunications.com Rebecca Shafer Amaxx 660-553-6604 Info@WorkersCompKit.com
Seven Biggest Mistakes Employers Make When Working With Their Workers' Comp Insurer, According to www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com
| Source: Amaxx
MANSFIELD, CT--(Marketwire - November 4, 2008) - The insurance company or third-party
administrator that administers workers' compensation claims has a huge
impact on return to work and the ultimate cost to the employer, according
to www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com.
The site lists the seven biggest mistakes employers make:
1. Not visiting the claim offices and sitting "chair-side" with an
adjuster. You must see the process first-hand to understand how your claims
are handled. Then, you can integrate your processes into services your
insurer offers.
2. Not meeting with all service providers. Since your program depends on
medical providers, investigators, law firms, medical-bill-audit companies
and other vendors, you should see examples of their reports and understand
their fees. Meet them at the start of the relationship and periodically
thereafter.
3. Not having on-site file reviews regularly and not attending reviews.
Only you know if the worker is still employed and if he or she had other
problems at work that might be relevant.
4. Not using an MD to review medical records and reports but relying on
adjusters to make medical decisions. Doctors are better qualified than
nurses or adjusters to determine what information is missing in a file or
whether there are other possible causes of an injury. Having an MD review
the file before causality decisions are made or before independent medical
examinations are ordered is crucial.
5. Not customizing account handling instructions. If you want settlement
authority or want to be involved in selection of counsel, put it in
writing. Find a beginner's list of what should be in your account
instructions at: http://blog.reduceyourworkerscomp.com/?p=74
6. Not staying involved. Many employers abrogate responsibility for their
employee's medical care and return to work, relying on the claims adjuster.
Employers are responsible for what happens to their employees after the
injury. You must take charge.
7. Not getting any assistance from your broker. Your broker has worked
with hundreds of similar situations, so use that to your advantage and
include them in the claims handling process. Have them set up reviews, help
select file parameters and offer suggestions for "next steps" in a claim.
The broker can help head off problems proactively, not just in difficult
claim situations when things have gone wrong.
It's easy to avoid these mistakes. All forms and documents employers need
are in the "Working with the Insurance Company" module of
www.reduceyourworkerscomp.com.