Totally Workers' Comp
Total Medical Solutions
Nationwide Provider
Ph: (800) 700-9393 
Fax: (888) 700-5616
In This Issue
Get FREE CEUs
Healthy Tips For You
Managing Complex Cases
LCA 2009
Inside TMS
Go Green
Get your CEUs on Us! FREE 
Free Continuing Education
Upcoming free half-day seminars: 
 
06/24/2009 Jacksonville, FL
 
07/10/2009
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 
 
For more information about one of our upcoming seminars, please call (407) 585-8302 or email us.
"Thank you for your persistence on this case. I would have given up a long time ago. You are the best"
 
From Adjuster-
The Hartford, FL
 
Healthy Tips For You

Easy tips for a healthier life:

1-Don't e-mail your office mate. Walk down the hall and deliver the message personally.
 
2-Take the stairs, not the elevator.
 
3-Mark your calendar and change your toothbrush every three months.
 
4-Keep a stock of low calorie snacks on hand: cut up carrots, cucumber, pretzels, nonfat popcorn.
 
5-When you're feeling stressed, smile and take a few deep breaths.

Managing Complex Cases: A Checklist -               by Kevin Glennon, RN, BSN, CDMS, QRP

Kevin Glennon
According to reports from NCCI, the frequency of workers' comp injuries is down, but the severity of injuries that do occur are increasing. Severity relates to both the cost of the claim and nature of the injury. More than likely, complex cases are a big factor in the increasing severity of workers' comp claims nationwide. Complex claims are not necessarily catastrophic, but expenses can get out of hand very quickly, and the case can become catastrophic if not managed appropriately.
 

How many complex cases are you handling?

Ask yourself these questions about each case:
  • Is more than one body system affected?
  • Does the case involve more than one physician?
  • Are there more than three prescription medications involved?
  • Does the claimant require durable medical equipment?
  • Does the claimant require home health care?
  • Are home modifications required to accommodate the claimant?
  • Does the claimant have an infection?

If you answered yes to one or more of the questions above, chances are the case is complex. Complex cases should be given extra care and attention to help the patient recover as quickly as possible, and manage costs before they spiral out of control.

In order to manage complex cases appropriately, you need to understand all aspects of the claim. This includes knowing the relevant medical issues, potential complications, range of treatment options and home health / equipment options available. Consider seeking the help of an experienced home health partner, such as TMS, with expertise in managing complex workers' comp injuries.

Your home health partner should provide you with a comprehensive and pro-active treatment plan that includes:

  • Identification of all current medical issues and staff involved
  • List of all treatments, pharmaceuticals, equipment and supplies
  • Potential complications and recommended safeguards
  • Appropriate equipment recommendations
  • A list of co-morbidities 
  • Recovery timeline with goals and objectives 
  • A return-to-work plan, if applicable

The cost of complex claims can be impacted dramatically by pro-active planning with an experienced supplier. The carrier may spend more money up front to prevent expensive complications at the end, but overall the cost of the claim will be greatly reduced.

Visit Us at 2009 LCA Annual Convention-Booth # 101
 
LCA LogoThe 2009 Louisiana Claims Association Annual Convention will be held July 15-17, 2009 at the Marriott hotel on Canal Street in New Orleans.
 
Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 12 continuing education credits for Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama.
 
To register or for more information click here. 
Inside Total Medical Solutions
 
Did you know...TMS online recently had a makeover!
 
Check out our redesigned website and new video! 
 
Live Well - Do Good - Go GREEN Going Green
 
Be bright about light 
Did you know artificial lighting accounts for 44 percent of the electricity use in office buildings?
Make it a habit to turn off the lights when you're leaving any room for 15 minutes or more and utilize natural light when you can.
 
Make it a policy to buy Energy Star-rated light bulbs and fixtures (www.energystar.gov), which use at least two-thirds less energy than regular lighting, and install timers or motion sensors that automatically shut off lights when they're not needed.