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Accelerating Recovery and Return to Work: The Case for Case Management

May 7, 2025
3 MIN READ

In workers’ compensation, one of the most effective ways to reduce claim duration and associated costs is to get injured employees back to work—safely and sustainably. But returning to work isn’t always a straight line. Delays, re-injuries, and uncertainty around job modifications can complicate the process. That’s where case management plays a critical role.

Case managers serve as connectors between all stakeholders—adjusters, injured employees, employers, and providers—to ensure that recovery stays on track and return-to-work (RTW) decisions are informed, timely, and appropriate.

Addressing Common Barriers to Return-to-Work

Several scenarios can delay or derail an injured employee’s transition back to work. Case managers are uniquely equipped to intervene early and coordinate targeted solutions in these common situations:

  • Light duty without progress: When an injured employee is placed on light duty but isn’t progressing toward regular duty, case managers step in to evaluate treatment plans, collaborate with providers, and keep the focus on functional improvement.
  • Re-injury upon return: Re-injuries shortly after returning to work often stem from misaligned job duties or inadequate accommodations. Case managers coordinate with employers to assess and adjust job demands, reducing the risk of further setbacks.
  • Employee uncertainty or fear: Sometimes, the greatest barrier is psychological. If an employee does not believe they will ever return to work, case managers provide education, support, and encouragement—often involving behavioral coaching—to shift the mindset from defeat to possibility.
  • Lack of clarity about job duties: If there’s uncertainty about whether an employee can perform the essential functions of a job, a job analysis may be needed. Case managers initiate these analyses, often partnering with vocational specialists to ensure alignment between job demands and the employee’s capabilities.
  • Need for job modifications: For some employees, returning to their original role requires adjustments. Case managers facilitate communication with employers to explore modifications and help identify alternative tasks that align with restrictions while supporting operational needs.
  • Workstation concerns: In office-based roles or physically repetitive tasks, an ergonomic assessment may be critical. Case managers coordinate these assessments to recommend changes that reduce strain and support a safe return.
  • Unclear job availability: When employers are unsure if a position remains available, case managers work to clarify job status, explore transitional duty options, and maintain open lines of communication to avoid avoidable delays.

Why Case Management Makes a Difference

Case management is not a one-size-fits-all service. It’s a proactive, personalized approach that adapts to the complexities of each case. Here's how case managers drive results:

  • Reduce lost workdays: By anticipating and removing RTW obstacles early, case managers shorten the time employees spend away from work.
  • Improve recovery outcomes: Coordinated care and timely interventions lead to better clinical outcomes and lower the risk of complications or chronic conditions.
  • Support injured employees holistically: Case managers consider physical, emotional, and logistical barriers—ensuring a more complete path to recovery.
  • Enhance adjuster efficiency: With a clinical expert guiding recovery, adjusters can focus on claim strategy while staying informed through regular updates.
  • Lower overall claim costs: Faster RTW and fewer complications translate to reduced medical and indemnity spend.

A Smarter Return-to-Work Strategy

The return-to-work process is too important to leave to chance. With case management, you gain a trusted clinical partner who brings structure, insight, and coordination to every phase of recovery. Whether it’s clarifying job duties, facilitating an ergonomic review, or simply helping an injured employee feel confident again, case managers are critical to bridging the gap between injury and return.

Ready to strengthen your return-to-work strategy? Explore our case management solutions to reduce costs, improve outcomes, and support injured employees with expert coordination.