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Communication Important in Workers' Comp
Author: | Friday August 29, 2008
"I see the physician, case manager, adjusters, diagnostic services and physical therapists all being part of the same team."
Rapid Response & Communication
Physician Practices
What he Preaches
In the world of physical challenges and disability there is a phase, "no barriers" and it relates to workplace, travel, business and recreation opportunities.
For Paul Meli, MD, FACS, FAAOS, no barriers has more than one meaning. As an orthopedic surgeon he provides the means for injured workers to return to work and their lives but when he uses the term no barriers, he emphasizes the need for better communication with patients, claims adjusters and case managers.
"Working with the injured worker is usually pretty straightforward. If they have a physical problem I can conduct an examination, order testing if necessary and, if it is called for, perform the surgery to repair the damage done by the injury," Dr. Meli stated.
What can become problematic, he indicated, was difficulty in communication with insurers. "There are some great adjusters and case managers I work with on a regular basis. I understand that there are often many cases on their desks, but I wish there was a way that communication could be expedited," Dr. Meli emphasized. He pointed out that when it takes several days to talk with the adjuster, that is several days the patient is not receiving treatment.
For his part, Dr. Meli has a long standing policy of rapid response, same day reporting on workers' compensation cases and open communication. "I see the physician, case manager, adjuster, diagnostic services and physical therapists all being part of the same team. Our goal should be the same."
Meli Orthopedics has served workers' compensation clients for fifteen years, but Dr. Meli said that he has increased his involvement in the comp industry. "I think my background and training lend themselves to serving workers' compensation clients. My generation grew up with the idea of having a passion for our profession and orthopedic surgeons often develop personal relationships with their patients, many of whom become friends."
For his part, Dr. Meli has a long standing policy of rapid response, same day reporting on workers' compensation cases and open communication. "I see the physician, case manager, adjuster, diagnostic services and physical therapists all being part of the same team. Our goal should be the same."
Meli Orthopedics has served workers' compensation clients for fifteen years, but Dr. Meli said that he has increased his involvement in the comp industry. "I think my background and training lend themselves to serving workers' compensation clients. My generation grew up with the idea of having a passion for our profession and orthopedic surgeons often develop personal relationships with their patients, many of whom become friends."
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