The Role of Telehealth in Workers’ Comp: Enhancing Access to Care

Telehealth is a transformative tool in workers’ compensation, where swift and effective medical care is crucial. By connecting injured workers with healthcare providers remotely, telehealth streamlines care delivery and accessibility. This offers numerous benefits for both employees and employers.

First and foremost, telehealth enhances access to medical care, particularly for workers in remote locations or those unable to travel due to their injuries. Virtual consultations and follow-ups reduce the need for time-consuming and often costly trips to medical facilities, expediting the treatment process. Additionally, telehealth facilitates timely intervention, allowing injured workers to receive prompt medical attention, significantly improving outcomes and quickening their return to work.

Moreover, telehealth contributes to cost savings for employers by reducing expenses associated with transportation, missed workdays, and unnecessary emergency room visits. By streamlining the healthcare delivery process, telehealth also enhances efficiency within the workers’ compensation system, reducing administrative burdens and expediting claims processing.

However, while telehealth presents numerous advantages, its successful integration into workers’ compensation requires careful consideration of regulatory compliance, data security, and equitable access for all injured workers. Despite these challenges, the role of telehealth in workers’ compensation is expected to continue expanding, driven by its potential to improve claims efficiency and outcomes in the realm of occupational health.

At CorVel, our virtual care solutions are designed to provide high-quality care that leads to better outcomes. Our offerings include TelePT, Tele-Behavioral Health, DME Home Delivery, and Rx Home Delivery, which together form a holistic approach to supporting injured workers throughout their recovery journey. Our innovative Care^MC Edge® platform integrates these services, ensuring efficient claims management and enhanced transparency. By leveraging advanced technology, we help injured workers recover more quickly and reduce claim costs for employers, resulting in 32% higher patient satisfaction, an 88% reduction in time away from work, and a 34% reduction in medical spend. Interested in learning more? Click here.