Did you know that Beacon Mutual has a Preferred Provider Network (PPN) in Rhode Island? We have approved a list of physicians and other healthcare providers who have been vetted for their experience in the care and treatment of work-related injuries. While injured workers in Rhode Island have the right to choose their initial healthcare provider, there are several reasons why an employer will want to recommend the Beacon Mutual PPN to their employees for workers' compensation injuries.
Why Choose a PPN for Workplace Injury:
- Quicker access to care. Occupational health centers and Urgent Care Centers typically have shorter wait times than emergency rooms.
- High-quality care. Providers specialize in the treatment of work-related injuries, which helps to ensure that injured workers receive high-quality care that will help employees stay at work or return to work at the earliest opportunity. These healthcare providers are specially trained to diagnose and treat work-related injuries and illnesses. By understanding the specific risks and hazards associated with different occupations, they can provide more comprehensive care than a general practitioner or emergency room doctor.
- Better follow-up care. The PPN providers are more likely to provide follow-up care for work-related injuries. The PPN provider may refer a patient to physical therapy to ensure they are on track for a strong recovery. They understand the importance of clearing the injured worker for modified duty work when they are ready. When a Rhode Island injured worker wishes or needs to change health care providers from the initial treating physician, they must select one from the Beacon Mutual PPN.
- Lower cost. Occupational health centers and Urgent Care centers are often less expensive than emergency rooms, having lower overhead costs than hospitals. If additional treatment is needed, engaging a PPN specialist in the care of the injured worker facilitates earlier appointments, cuts down on waiting times for appointments, and allows for faster access to other medical services such as diagnostic testing, therapy, and medical equipment.
- Efficiency. PPN medical providers typically have a more streamlined process for processing workers' compensation claims. They have a deep understanding of the RI workers' compensation system, which allows them to easily navigate the injured workers through the rehabilitation process. This can help to speed up the time it takes for injured workers to receive the care they need, leading to a quicker return to work.
If your employees become injured on the job, they must seek medical attention as soon as possible…and we’ve identified the best resources to help them.
- Dial 911 for serious or life-threatening conditions such as a broken bone, severe cuts requiring stitches, head injury, chest pain, or seizures.
- For other types of injuries (such as muscle and joint sprains/strains, back pain, minor cuts or burns, contusions, etc.) share a copy of Beacon’s PPN with your employee and encourage them to take advantage of the benefits to their recovery by considering one of the Urgent Care or Occupational Health Centers listed for their initial care.
Beacon's Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program
This article is the third article in the three-part blog series on Beacon's innovative Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program!
Part I: Prompt Injury Reporting for a Safer & More Efficient Workplace
Part II: Modified Duty: A Win-Win for Injured Workers and Employers
We're committed to providing you with insights and solutions that ensure a safer, more efficient, and prosperous workplace. So, stay with us as we unravel the full spectrum of our Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program and how it can benefit your organization!
To learn more about developing a Stay-at-Work/Return-to-Work Program at your workplace, you can read about the program in more detail, register for an upcoming workshop about the program, or contact us.