Impact of Masks on the Deaf Community
June 10, 2020
5 MIN READWhile everyone has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in one way or another, the deafblind community has been affected in a detrimental way that most people may not have considered. With the already existing communication challenges, wearing masks has added yet another complicated barrier to communication between hearing and hearing impaired, hard of hearing, deaf and deafblind people.
Networks Support Telemedicine for Continued Care
June 1, 2020
4 MIN READWorkers’ comp injuries are unique because they typically require face-to-face visits with medical professionals to evaluate, diagnose and treat. When a provider’s office is closed it can significantly impact an employee’s ability to return to work. As injured workers faced temporary office closures, postponed surgeries and cancelled therapy appointments, we knew that as a workers’ compensation provider network we had to be innovative and lead the charge for their care.
Introducing Networks 2.0: Part Three
May 25, 2020
3 MIN READPayers and the companies they represent are eager to get injured workers back on their feet and back on the job. Many of these companies represent the heavyweights of corporate America. Major employers like manufacturers, large retailers, and airlines rely on comprehensive return-to-work programs to help their injured employees recover. The best programs do far more than safeguard the bottom line. They focus on truly addressing the needs of injured workers themselves. That’s because the longer workers are away, the less likely it is they will return to the workplace. The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board has broken down some statistics, and reports that there is only a 50 percent chance that an injured employee will return to work after a six-month absence. That drops to a 25 percent chance following a one-year absence. After two years away, the likelihood a worker will return plunges to a 1 percent chance.
Introducing Networks 2.0: Part Two
May 11, 2020
3 MIN READTreating those hurt on the job makes sense for other reasons as well. The injured worker isn’t responsible for paying a deductible or copay. This is becoming an evermore important differentiator. That’s because out-of-pocket costs can be difficult for patients to manage, especially as many are now expected to shoulder a larger share of the medical expense with the rise of high-deductible commercial plans.
Staying Connected During COVID-19
May 7, 2020
1 MIN READWe asked our Field Case Managers how they were staying connected to their injured workers and finding meaning and purpose during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their responses were more than we expected. It warmed our hearts and we were happy to gain a small insight into their lives. We’d like to share their moving and heartfelt video messages with you in a special installment of The Sounding Board blog.
Introducing Networks 2.0: Part One
April 27, 2020
3 MIN READMost discussions about the state of U.S. health care quickly lead to a simple but grim diagnosis: The system is broken. The evidence abounds and it’s compelling. The U.S. spends more per capita than any other country yet often produces only lackluster outcomes. Access to care can be poor. Even average life expectancy, which notched steady gains for decades, has ticked lower in recent years.
Stop by ‘Any Time’ Medical Care
April 20, 2020
3 MIN READAs her power of attorney for medical care, Mom requested I accompany her to her doctor’s visit so that I could hear details about her intended treatment plan. Mom was 74 years old with a lot of medical conditions that required constant monitoring. I anticipated there would be a lot of coordination between the multiple providers. When Mom came dressed stunningly in full regalia with necklace, earrings, perfume, and perfectly quaffed hair, I suspected this wasn’t going to be an average doctor’s visit.