Member Expectations

To maintain the Academy’s high standards and support strong partnerships with referral sources, members are expected to:

• Schedule patients within 8 hours of referral

• Aim to see patients within 20 minutes of their scheduled appointment

• Complete and return the standard “Quick Report” the same day

• Communicate by phone with case managers during office hours, as needed

• Support practice staff with patient care coordination

• Follow established referral management protocols

• Participate in case reviews with case managers, when applicable

• Stay current on Workers’ Compensation best practices

What Referrers Value Most

Through our ongoing conversations with insurers, TPAs, and case management firms, we've identified four key factors they prioritize when selecting Workers’ Compensation physicians:

1. Thorough Medical History
   Complete documentation of prior related treatment sets the foundation for optimal care.

2. Focus on the Authorized Injury
   Stick to treating only the approved injury. If other issues arise, clarify with the referrer before proceeding.

3. Reasonable Return-to-Work Policies
   Use sound judgment and clear rationale when recommending time off. Physicians who are balanced and logical about return-to-work decisions receive more referrals.

4. Timely, Clear Communication
   Fast scheduling, prompt “Quick Note” reports, and responsive communication are critical to securing and maintaining referrals.

In certain cases, a direct line of communication with the physician can help prevent delays in care and claims processing. Even brief phone calls can significantly improve collaboration between the physician and case manager.