DCMP’s Telephonic Case Management (TCM) programs are customized to clients’ specific needs, geared toward achieving optimal outcomes for injured workers. All activities are completed by a Registered Nurse or qualified medical manager and focus on timely coordination of quality medical services while maintaining a cost-conscious philosophy. Collaboration with employers, medical providers, injured workers, and other disciplines are an ongoing part of the TCM process. DCMP case managers recognize the importance of engaging all involved parties in developing plans for assisting the injured worker through their workers’ compensation process. Components of successful TCM programs include Early Intervention, Ongoing Medical Management, and Return to Work Support.

Early Intervention

• We make initial contact with clients within 24 hours of receiving a referral, ensuring injured workers get on the path to recovery quickly. 
• Our Case Managers provide comprehensive information about the workers’ compensation process, answer questions, and help injured workers fully understand their treatment plans.
• We encourage injured workers to actively participate in their recovery, fostering a positive mindset and respecting individual needs and concerns.
• TCMs build a strong, trusting rapport with clients, working collaboratively to help them achieve their highest possible level of function.
• TCMs partner with clients, medical providers, and employers to proactively reduce disability durations and limit time away from work.
• TCMs assess for any unique barriers that may impact an individual’s recovery or return to work and strive to address any such obstacles.

Ongoing Medical Management

• The TCM acts as a dedicated advocate for the injured worker, upholding their rights and needs while navigating the recovery process.
• TCMs efficiently schedule medical appointments, ensure clients receive all authorized medical care, and facilitate connections with necessary specialists.
• We provide timely updates to the employer and carrier after each medical appointment or at requested intervals, ensuring everyone remains informed.
• TCMs track progress and response to treatment, constantly assessing the appropriateness of care to promote a safe and efficient recovery.
• TCMs actively motivate clients to comply with treatment recommendations and optimize opportunities for wellness-promoting activities such as physical therapy
• We help control medical costs associated with workers’ compensation claims by ensuring appropriate care is received and unnecessary treatments are avoided
• We utilize Official Disability Guidelines (ODG) to provide standards of care for specific injuries, helping establish projections for length of disability, expected treatment durations, and outcomes.
• TCM communication with medical providers, clients, and all involved parties is primarily via telephone or email, with Field Case Management task assignments available upon request and approval.

Return to Work

• TCMs proactively discuss modified duty opportunities with employers at the onset of the case, planning for a safe return to work, in some capacity, as soon as medically appropriate.
• We regularly secure work status updates from medical providers to assess the injured worker’s progress and readiness for return to work. 
• TCMs actively support the return to work process, ensuring employees are accommodated within their personal capability parameters until they can return to full duty without restrictions. 
• TCMs keep employers and carriers consistently informed with all changes in work and activity status throughout the recovery process. 
• We provide encouragement and positive reinforcement to employees as they transition back to work following a period of disability, fostering confidence and a positive outlook.