A field-based nurse case manager (FCM) is a case management nurse working in the field rather than in an office. The FCM nurse meets with the employee in their home or accompanies them to medical appointments. 

FCM nurse then discusses the claimant's condition with the physician and the employer to devise treatment plans, early return to work, and case closure. The nurse determines activities the employee can do while at home to identify potential transitional duties at the workplace; the FCM also observes return-to-work obstacles.

Fee Range: $95 to $120 per hour.

FCMs can be very helpful in obtaining the cooperation of an injured worker. FCMs often improve the claimant's compliance with medical recommendations.

Use an FCM when:

• There are serious injuries such as amputations, head injuries, crushing injuries, multiple trauma, spinal cord injuries, severe burns, or chemical inhalation/poisoning.
• An on-site job analysis is needed to determine return-to-work options or when a disabled worker needs home assistance.
• An injured worker is either unable or unwilling to go to medical appointments or participate in employer weekly meetings.
• The medical services are disorganized or inadequate as in the case of a small community or, where services are a long distance from the employee's home.
• To follow up on wound care, especially if the employee does not have transportation to attend follow-up visits.
• In cases failing to meet the expected recovery time or in which an employee cannot perform any type of transitional duty.
• There is a need to assess the employee's at-home environment or psychosocial issues.
• There is a need to assess visually appropriateness of physical therapy or rehabilitation services, or there is a need to assess ergonomic factors in the employee's physical environment.

The Texas Supreme Court ruled in a 5-4 split decision that Texas workers denied workers' compensation benefits cannot bring a bad faith lawsuit against the employer's insurance company.

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