Technology has changed virtually every facet of our lives – and workers’ compensation is no exception. Today, claims are handled more efficiently and accurately. Employees have higher rates of satisfaction, and costs are lower. This is all thanks to technology.
Here’s how technology is helping change workers’ compensation:
Employees are Empowered
Technology is helping to empower employees who file workers’ compensation claims. Mobile technology in particular has allowed workers to file their own claims, keep their cases organized and stay up to date on their claims.
With technology, there’s no need to worry about lost reports. And if multiple people are filing claims, you can ensure that data is collected in the same way. This preserves the integrity of the data – something that paper forms can’t offer.
Workers are also encouraged to take a more active role in their recoveries, which reduces time away from work. This is achieved through the sharing of information, reminder triggers and gamification.
Better Claim Management
Workers’ compensation laws vary from state to state, which can make claim management a challenge for national corporations.
“Each state has a system of laws generally referred to as workers’ compensation,” says Jason D. Mills & Associates. “These laws vary from state-to-state and by occupation, but they ultimately serve to protect workers and ensure that employees who suffer injury due to work accidents receive proper compensation including benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages.”.
Workers may not know what to report and to whom. Claims may get stuck in limbo. Information may be outdated or inaccurate. Rules and regulations may be overlooked.
Technology can help organize and streamline the management process.
The digital collection of data and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) can make claim management more organized and efficient.
In the future, blockchain technology may be used to ensure that all transactions are secure and the data is accurate.
Improved Communication
Smartphones make it easy to quickly capture and share important information that impacts workers’ compensation claims.
Employees can use mobile technology to report information from the field in real-time, eliminating delays and unnecessary paperwork.
Real-time sharing of information allows the data to be seen by HR, medical providers, administrators and others involved in the claims process. These technological developments have resulted in more accurate claims that are processed more quickly.
Greater Cost Savings
Ultimately, technology has helped reduce the costs associated with workers’ compensation claims. A streamlined, more efficient process reduces cost and time investment.
Wearable technologies and mobile apps can also help prevent claims by warning when employees are fatigued, overheated or engaging in risky repetitive-motion tasks.
The best way to lower workers’ compensation costs is to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. Technology is not only helping prevent injuries directly, but also helping managers and supervisors manage safety programs.
Even with wearables and safety programs, injuries may still occur. Technology can once again help cut down on costs by organizing and streamlining the claims process. Efficiency and greater organization will save money in the long-run.