CASE STUDY: THE IMPORTANCE OF EARLY INTERVENTION FOR RETURN TO WORK

A national chain of veterinary clinics has partnered with GroupHEALTH for their employee health benefits. As part of their plan, the client has access to disability management services through Disability Management Institute (DMI). These services also include Early Intervention and Long-Term Disability, and they support employees throughout their medical absences.

One employee, a veterinary technician, faced ongoing musculoskeletal issues affecting her work performance. Despite efforts, her condition worsened, leading to complete absence. Her employer referred her to DMI’s Early Intervention Program after five days of absence due to her condition.

The Early Intervention Specialist quickly connected with the employee, recognizing her motivation to return to work but struggles with her condition. With physiotherapy benefits maxed out, awaiting specialist appointments, and signs of depression, she needed extra support.

Engaging a DMI Work Health Consultant, they assessed additional resources. Following a specialist appointment ruling out surgery, a physiotherapy assessment recommended a treatment plan. Weekly sessions began promptly, showing progress.

Concerns about returning to a building with stairs led to collaborative efforts. Finding a ground floor clinic closer to home, they developed a gradual return to work plan. In five months, she resumed full duties, avoiding a costly Long-Term Disability claim.

DMI’s support kept her in the workplace, benefiting both her and the employer.

Disability Management Institute (DMI)

DMI is a third-party organization focused on effectively managing disability claims for employers across Canada. There are many good reasons to use a third party who specializes in disability; so much so, that GroupHEALTH includes these services with all long-term disability plans.

DMI acts as the liaison between you (the employer), your ill or injured employee, and the insurance company. They manage paperwork, regulations, and status updates. They also work directly with the employee, which means helping them navigate all aspects of the absence. This can include helping with paperwork that needs to be submitted, resources that can be accessed, and maintaining a connection to the workplace. Being off work due to disability can be very isolating, so maintaining a connection to the workplace is important.

Good advice is key

Are you interested in a sustainable disability plan that is designed for your business and supports your employees? It can be done. Review your options with one of our licensed advisors on the phone or contact us for a comparison quote.

Whether you’re looking for extended health and dental coverage, disability coverage, or life and critical illness coverage, GroupHEALTH has affordable benefits packages that work as hard as you do.