Pain management programs
The claim manager determines if a vocational assessment is needed. This can be done before or in conjunction with the screening evaluation or pain management program. This decision is made on a case by case basis based on the worker's claim file. See Chapter 34: Chronic Pain Management, for more information about referring to a pain management program.
Work hardening programs
Providers can identify workers who may benefit from these programs and discuss referral options with the claim manager.
Prior to a worker entering a work hardening program, the provider should:
- Provide a job analysis for the program goal to the work hardening provider.
- Explore return-to-work options including the previous job to identify a job goal.
- Assist with job modifications, if appropriate.
During a program the provider should:
- Maintain contact with all parties.
- Attend worker conferences.
- Review work hardening reports.
Providers should bill work hardening services as part of the referral.
For more information:
Additional information
Physical and mental limitations
Providers must consider the pre-injury capacities along with any physical or mental limitations from the industrial injury.
Preponderance of medical information
The preponderance of medical information should show, as a whole, that the medical evidence supporting the vocational decision is more convincing than the opposing evidence.
Temporarily unable to participate in vocational services
Occasionally, a worker (due to a related or an unrelated temporary medical condition) is medically unable to participate in vocational services.
