A Novel Approach to Reducing Workers Compensation Costs in a Multicenter Hospital System.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

1-2018

Program

Physical Therapy

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of an injury prevention and monitoring program implemented by athletic trainers to reduce workers compensation costs in a hospital system with multiple centers and locations.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of workers compensation claims (ie, lost days, light days, and incurred costs) was performed to compare injury data from 2 years before to 2 years after the start of the program.

Results: The program significantly reduced the organization's incurred costs by 46.7% (P = 0.031) and light days by 44% (P = 0.022). Lost days were found to decrease by 37%, however, this decrease was not statistically significant (P = 0.078).

Conclusions: Athletic trainers, using their knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, ergonomics, injury management, and rehabilitation, can effectively prevent and reduce workers compensation costs in a multicenter hospital system.

Comments

Published ahead of print September 2017.

DOI

10.1097/JOM.0000000000001170

PMID

29189471

Publication

Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

Volume

60

Issue

1

Publisher

Wolters Kluwer

Pages

74-76

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