Specialty Solutions Spotlight: Accessing Quality Workers' Compensation Diagnostic Imaging

How does access to accurate diagnostic imaging affect claim costs?

Diagnostic imaging and radiology play a significant role in workers’ compensation. When an employee is injured on the job, obtaining accurate diagnostic imaging is crucial for assessing the severity of the injury and developing an effective treatment plan. Diagnostic imaging is often the first step in evaluating an injury. According to a California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) study, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) and positron emission tomography (PET) scans were on the rise between 2000 and 2017 whereas traditional radiology services remained relatively flat. This is why access to quality diagnostic imaging facilities is critical to the success of a workers' compensation claim and ensuring the best possible outcome for the injured employee. If an imaging facility produces a low-quality image, the injured employee’s condition may be misdiagnosed or missed altogether, leading to further complications and higher claim costs. 

Unfortunately, outdated imaging equipment remains a challenge, and injured employees may be sent to a facility with old or outdated equipment if it is not properly vetted. Treating physicians may not have detailed information to diagnose and properly treat injured employees, or a bad scan could cause them to miss important diagnostic information for the injured employee’s condition. 

Despite these challenges, advancements in imaging technology offer great promise. The latest equipment enables healthcare providers to diagnose and treat patients with greater precision, providing unprecedented visual and functional information on a patient's condition. This also facilitates faster, more intelligent imaging services that support medical decision-making and improve outcomes.

Access to quality diagnostic imaging is critical to correctly assessing and documenting a workplace injury or evaluating an injured employee’s response to treatment. Apricus offers solutions to address challenges related to outdated imaging equipment and scheduling, which can ultimately result in lower claim costs and better outcomes for your injured employees.

Apricus provides payers with expedited access to a wide range of diagnostic facilities, equipment, and procedures to assist physicians, nurses and adjusters as they return injured employees to function and work. Our specialty solution coordinators vet diagnostic providers to ensure they have up-to-date equipment that can produce high-quality scans. Additionally, they arrange services with adjusters to schedule imaging with a network of reputable facilities that have undergone rigorous credentialing to ensure proper licensure, certifications, and insurance. Upon referral receipt, a dedicated Apricus care coordinator promptly contacts the injured employee, the most appropriate facility, and schedules the requested studies. 

Apricus ensures a streamlined experience, managing all scheduling and communication aspects for your diagnostic imaging needs. Our solutions play a pivotal role in successfully reintegrating injured employees back into the workforce.

This information is meant to serve as a general overview, and any specific questions should be fully reviewed with a health care professional or specialty service provider.

To make a referral for this service and others, call us today at 877.203.9899 or send an email to referrals@apricusinc.com.