Recently, we analyzed some of our data from work conditioning and determined some interesting outcomes:
For the referrals that Job Ready has received for work conditioning in 2014:
Overall average number of days from the Date of Injury (DOI) to the Date of Referral (DOR): 378!
Overall average number of visits in work conditioning: 16
The charts show the difference in the number of visits in work conditioning and the average time of referral from date of injury in 2 different groups:
1) Those that completed work conditioning and met the physical demands of their regular job and
2) Those that ceased work conditioning*
The biggest difference of course, is the number of days from the DOI to DOR – those that were recommended to return to their regular job were also the ones who were referred to work conditioning earlier.
The second thing to note is that although the number of visits were only slightly higher for those who met their regular job’s physical requirements, the fact that the ones who were not progressing or lacking effort, were not kept in the program unnecessarily. In addition, objective sincerity of effort documentation supported the lack of effort and could facilitate case closure in cases where uncertainty existed about the injured worker’s ability to return to work.
Case Managers know this to be true – the earlier they are involved in a case, the better their outcomes. It’s the same for healthcare providers as well – the earlier rehab is involved, the earlier and SAFER the return to work!
For more information about work conditioning and other services to reduce worker’s comp costs, contact Job Ready Services: 919-256-1400 or visit our website: www.jobreadyservices.com.
* The reasons cited for ceasing work conditioning included:
- Discharged due to lack of effort
- Discharged by physician
- Patient declined to continue
- FCE was recommended