Case Studies: High Cost of Care

Problem:

An employer is faced with a particular plant having an extremely high number of employees with musculoskeletal conditions increasing costs and causing extended time off of work. The employers goals are:

• An increase in the medical management of muskuloskeletal injuries and a reduction in surgeries.
• Reduced time off from injuries.
• Better access to providers for employees.

Process:

Operating on the premise that ensuring appropriate care, as defined by best practice guidelines, will improve health and productivity, the employer engaged the consultant at HPC to help identify the root causes of the problem.

Interviews, consultant panels and surveys helped to identify the problems the local community physicians face in treating employees’ musculoskeletal problems. Solutions were developed by the stakeholders in the problem.

Solutions:

Meetings with the local physicians helped to:

• Enhance communications between employer and providers.
• Change return-to-work policies.
• Build awareness of the problems faced by the employer.
• Reveal educational needs of the local physicians.

Opportunities:

The HPC process can help build relationships with local providers by allowing them to aid in the development of solutions, thereby giving them a voice in the process. This results in more effective solutions that are able to achieve the goals of the project.