As we wrap up 2024, we’re presented with an opportunity to reflect on the new and unexpected challenges our clients faced this year — and their resilience along the way. We invite you to catch up on the top five topics our experts wrote about this year.
Empowering choices, enhancing connections and elevating care
The managed care industry is moving towards providing more choices. There’s a noticeable shift towards customization, with a focus on giving clients options on where they source their resources and services. Gone are the days when carriers, third party administrators (TPAs) and employers were limited to standard programs that may or may not meet their needs. Whether utilizing a carrier, TPA or self-administering, employers now have a range of choices available.
Connecting injured workers to specialized care and prosthetics
Injuries involving amputation comprise about 0.5% of on-the-job accidents and are among the most devastating and costly workers’ compensation claims. These claims generally require prosthetic devices, along with lifetime maintenance and medical care. Matching an injured worker with the right device and right providers for their unique needs is a complex process requiring deep knowledge and understanding of the intricacies of prosthetics.
Optimizing vocational rehab and return to work programs
Vocational rehabilitation programs are crucial for employers today. Custom programs built on innovative voc rehab strategies can reduce indemnity costs and lower expenses by almost 60 percent. They can also reduce long-term disability costs, improve employee morale and increase overall productivity. Successful voc rehab and return to work programs require knowledge, experience and commitment. Look for partners with expertise who can explore and embrace unconventional thinking, recognize the needs of today’s workers, and do all that is possible to guide your programs to success.
Understanding and addressing PTSD in the workplace
Individuals affected by PTSD have a better chance at recovering and returning to work quickly if early intervention takes place, rather than waiting for the person’s symptoms to emerge or progress. Symptoms of PTSD can include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, nightmares, hypervigilance, guilt, and negative impacts to mood or cognition. With the right care and expertise for their unique circumstances, patients can continue their lives and eventually reengage with society and their work.
Coordinated post-acute care for injured workers and employers
Anyone who’s been a patient at a hospital (or the caregiver to someone who has) knows all too well that being discharged is not the end of the recovery journey; it’s merely a milestone along the way. For many patients, their next step is a stay in a long-term care, inpatient rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility; others may be able to return home with home health assistance. Securing the right type of care for each individual at the right time can be challenging — especially in areas where facility beds and healthcare professionals are in short supply.
Looking ahead
None of us knows what 2025 may bring. But in the unexpected, you can be sure of this: Careworks will be here for you — watching trends, sharing ideas, offering support, bringing the best of our resources, and connecting to what matters most. We look forward to continuing the conversation and sharing insights with you throughout the new year.