WHAT TO DO ON THE FIRST VISIT WITH A DOL PATIENT?

1. Check that the New Patient Intake Form is 100% Complete.

If the patient has an existing claim #, send that number into the billing company to check the status of the case.

2. Review the CA1, CA2, or CA2a.

a. Did the Supervisor Sign the Form?b. Did the Supervisor agree that the injury / condition is related to work?c. Read the Patient’s description of the injury / condition.

3. Did the patient bring a CA16 Authorization for Evaluation and Treatment?

If so, fill out the physician’s portion and send a copy of this with billing.

4. Did the patient bring a CA17 Duty Status Report?

If so, fill out the right side of the form, keep a copy, and give the original to the patient to turn in to their supervisor.

5. Did the patient bring any letters that were sent to them from the Department of Labor?

These letters may contain approvals or denials that include specific reasons for denial that can be used in our reports for getting cases accepted. Tell the patient to always bring any letters mailed to them from the Department of Labor as these could be very important in the management of their work injury case.

6. Take a complete history.

Use the information on the CA1 / CA2 / CA2a as the baseline for interviewing the patient. The interview is for getting a complete and detailed rationale showing causation which links the injury / condition to the employee’s required work duties. Use incredibly great detail when writing causation reports.

7. If the patient needs any imaging, surgical consults, or other diagnostic exams, make those referrals.

8. If the patient needs physical therapy, fill out a Prescription for Therapy form

Get the patient scheduled to begin PT sessions. If preauthorization is needed, send all needed preauthorization documentation in for preauth immediately.

9. If the patient needs any other medical services, handle those as needed based on the doctor’s medical judgement.

10. Schedule the patient for a follow-up with the doctor

To review diagnostics, imaging, or progress in physical therapy.