Meet Becky Franz, CCM, LMSW
Becky is a workers’ compensation case manager serving the Dallas–Fort Worth area for the past 30 years. She has been with Careworks since 1995, bringing decades of experience supporting a wide range of clients. She provides comprehensive telephonic and field case management services for a workforce of more than 10,000 employees.
Becky’s CCM and LMSW credentials combine advanced medical and rehabilitation care coordination expertise with a deep understanding of the psychosocial factors that influence recovery. This unique skill set helps injured employees receive the right care at the right time, addresses barriers that may delay healing, and supports faster, safer return-to-work outcomes.
“It’s a privilege to help an injured worker navigate the workers comp system. It can be a very scary and confusing time for the employees and their families. Getting the injured employee timely medical care and timely return to work is always the goal, while providing constant support and education about their situation.”
Challenge
When a referral was received on June 10, 2026, the injured employee was experiencing significant pain and functional limitations related to a suspected right bicep tendon rupture. Although the treating physician had initially ordered an ultrasound, the employee expressed concerns based on a previous tendon injury and surgery involving his left arm. He strongly believed an MRI was necessary to accurately diagnose the injury and avoid delays in treatment.
Solution
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, Becky took the time to listen to the injured employee’s concerns and advocate for the most appropriate diagnostic pathway. She collaborated directly with the treating provider to request that the ultrasound order be changed to an MRI, allowing for a faster and more definitive diagnosis.
Once the MRI order was secured, Becky coordinated immediate authorization and scheduling, enabling the employee to undergo the MRI the same day. When the results confirmed a bicep tendon rupture, she leveraged her knowledge of the worker’s prior medical history and reached out to the upper-extremity specialist who had successfully treated his previous injury in 2021.
Although the specialist no longer routinely accepted workers’ compensation patients, Becky worked closely with the provider’s office, sharing relevant history and advocating on behalf of the injured employee. As a result, the specialist agreed to evaluate the employee and was able to see him promptly.
At the evaluation, surgery was recommended. Becky immediately coordinated with the orthopedic practice and claims adjuster to secure approval within four hours, allowing surgery to be scheduled for the very next day. Following the procedure, she obtained the employee’s post-operative work restrictions and collaborated with the employer to support a timely and safe return to work through modified duty accommodations.
Result
Through proactive advocacy, seamless coordination, and rapid communication among all stakeholders, the injured employee received surgery within just eight days of the initial referral. This expedited treatment plan minimized delays in care, reduced lost work time, and positioned the employee for an earlier return to productive employment.