We do not have the ability in all states to direct an injured employee’s medical care. However, in the states where the insured can direct care, we need to take full advantage of it.

We all know that the cost of medical care is skyrocketing. If an employee complains of a minor strain or sprain and ends up going to the Emergency Room instead of an Urgent Care or local Occupational Health Center, the difference in cost is tremendous.

Large medical bills are not the only concern though. The cost of paying an employee temporary benefits if they miss any work also adds up fast. If an injured employee seeks treatment from their own personal physician, that doctor is much more likely to put the employee in an off work status than a doctor at a Occupational Health Center.

The best advise for those employers who are in states where care can be directed, is to chose a local urgent care or Occupational Health Center that they trust. The employer should then make sure that all employees are made aware, in writing, of their workers compensation treatment policy. Utilizing treatment providers that the employers choose will go a long way in keeping the cost of claims down and get injured employees back to work sooner.