Work Comp: Cost Containment Woes
Jennfier Latham Robinson
Some people may think that prosthetic coverage through a workers compensation plan should be a slam dunk. The worker was injured on the job, the medical professional recommends care, and the work comp plan jumps right in. Not necessarily. These days, some workers compensation plans behave more like health management organizations (HMOs) and cost control can be a huge role in the rehabilitation plan of an injured worker.
The best thing an injured worker can do is keep in close communication with the adjuster and RN case manager. Articulate needs clearly and try to remain professional. If the work comp carrier seems to focus too much on cost containment, consider this: there are medical professionals out there that DO abuse the system. Unfortunately, when this happens we all pay the price.