This article is authored by guest blogger, Tom Kerr, Director of Communication at Genex Services, a part of Mitchell | Genex | Coventry. As frontline workers, field case managers are essential in helping injured employees navigate their way through the workers’ comp labyrinth to achieve return-to-work goals. And while the COVID pandemic has created new barriers, Genex’s field case managers are constantly using their skills to adapt to changes that come their way. In today’s Inside Workers’ Comp, Tim Howard, Senior Vice President, Field Case Management, explains how the recent availability of COVID vaccines are giving these frontline workers an extra level of safety. Tom Kerr (TK): Tim, roughly, how many Genex field case managers have received at least the first dose of the COVID vaccine? Tim Howard: Nationwide, I’d say about 50 percent of our field case management team has currently received the vaccine, and those numbers are increasing daily as it becomes readily available across the country. TK: Why is it important for these case managers to receive the vaccine as soon as possible? Howard: Genex follows CDC guidance and recommendations. So, we are proactively encouraging our frontline workers—our field case managers—to receive the vaccine in accordance with their state and local policies so they can feel comfortable with in-person interaction. We need our case managers to be able to move freely through health care facilities to engage injured employees, providers and other health care professionals and promote the best possible dialogue/interaction leading to positive case outcomes. TK: What’s being done to ensure Genex field case managers have access to the vaccine? Howard: Since the vaccine is administered on a state and local basis, our regional branch managers keep up with the various qualifications and processes for workers’ comp case managers to receive the vaccine in the area they cover. We alert our staff on these guidelines and vaccination schedules so they can receive the vaccine as soon as possible after it is offered. TK: What challenges have you faced in meeting this goal? Howard: As I mentioned before, vaccine deployment and qualifications vary by state and locality, so understanding the inconsistencies for distribution and making sure we have plans in place to achieve our goals can be a challenge, but we’re addressing and meeting it. TK: How does vaccinating field case managers impact workers’ comp claims? Howard: Our field case managers who have received the vaccine report an increased sense of freedom and confidence in meeting with injured employees and other parties to the case. It just increases their comfort level which will lead to more positive case outcomes. TK: What other safety measures are your case managers using to protect themselves and injured workers from COVID? Howard: Genex continues to supply and enforce the use of personal protection equipment, social distancing and other protective measures when dealing with any sort of in-person field intervention. The Genex Clinical Guidelines Team also continues to update and publish our Coronavirus Guideline, ensuring our case managers have access to the latest information on the virus so they can best protect themselves and those they come in contact with to maintain the health of the injured employees in their care.
More stories
Ask The Pharmacist: The Role of a Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) Committee
March 1, 2024
A Pharmacy and Therapeutics (P&T) committee plays a crucial role in the realm of health care, particularly in the context of a workers’ compensation pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). This committee is comprised of health care professionals, such as physicians and pharmacists, who are responsible for evaluating and making decisions about the formulary—a continually updated list of medications covered by a prescription drug plan.
Classic Collision Licenses Mitchell Cloud Estimating for Use at All Locations
February 29, 2024
Mitchell and Classic Collision, LLC, one of the top four largest MSOs in the nation, today announced that they have signed a multi-year agreement. The enterprise licensing agreement gives all current and future Classic Collision locations access to Mitchell Cloud Estimating with Integrated Repair Procedures as well as the company’s Paintless Dent Repair (PDR) calculator.
Enlyte Launches NJ DPR+ to Support Auto Injury Claim Management in New Jersey
February 29, 2024
Initiative offers unique, fully integrated, comprehensive solution for national support of payer bill review workflows in New Jersey
Closing Loopholes: Tackling Drug Price Inflation in Work Comp
February 22, 2024
ADAS Calibration: The New Profit Center
February 12, 2024
While the U.S. has made significant progress in improving motor vehicle safety since the fatality rate hit its peak nearly a hundred years ago, there’s still work to do. Excessive speed continues to be a significant contributing factor in traffic deaths and injuries, along with the rise in distracted driving.
NORTHEAST 2024
The highly anticipated NORTHEAST automotive repair event is tailored to meet the diverse needs of professionals across the industry. The conference offers a mix of seminars, presentations, product demos and activities with opportunities for networking and learning. Discover the latest industry insights, procedures and cutting-edge products, all in one setting.