FIELD NURSE CASE MANAGEMENT

Facilitate MMI and expedite diagnostic testing

Attendance to physician appointment to clarify diagnosis, appropriate treatment plan, length of disability, anticipated MMI dates and facilitate a timely return to work.

Clear guidelines related to injured workers capabilities established while attending MD appointment. (What can the injured worker do vs. what they cannot do)

Catastrophic injuries (head, spinal cord, burns, amputations)

Unusual diseases or disorders (Lyme, Chronic Pain syndrome, Thoracic outlet syndrome)

Non-union fractures

Back surgery/fusion or second back surgery

Rotator cuff tear, ACL tear, Meniscus tear

Non-Compliance issues that have not been resolved by telephone successfully

Telephonic case management for over 60 days

Potential loss time of ninety days or more

Return to repetitive work/ potential for aggravation or re-injury

Return to work will require job modification

History of multiple work injuries

Treatment plan does not correlate with the injury sustained

Social issues (Transportation problems, child care, finances, and other issues)

Questionable legitimacy of injury or causation/work relatedness

Negative attitude regarding return to work

Aggravation of pre-existing condition or re-injury shortly after returning to work

Other handicaps to employment (communication barriers)

Complicating factors such as smoking, alcohol or substance abuse

Pre-existing conditions affecting recovery period and treatment

Conflict of medical status between the physician and the injured worker

Working light duty with no progression toward full duty in the future

Elderly injured worker

Multiple medical providers, frequent changes in providers

Objective visual assessment.

Safety assessment in the injured workers home.