Non-occupational Disability & Claims Management

Bridges Health believes short-term and long-term disability case management are essential services to employers to ensure employee absences are managed effectively and their employees receive the support they need during periods of illness or injury, with a focus on return-to-work outcomes. Our disability management services support employers with self-insured disability plans and insurers needing long-term disability assistance.

Short-term disability case management focuses on employees who are temporarily unable to work due to medical conditions. Typically, 4-6 months in plan design, the process involves assessing the employee’s medical status, coordinating with healthcare providers, and developing a return-to-work plan. The goal is to provide timely communication and support, helping employees recover and return to their duties or an accommodation opportunity as soon as possible. Effective short-term disability management reduces absence duration, ensures productive recovery, and ensures employees feel supported during their recovery journey.

Long-term disability case management, on the other hand, follows the short-term disability period and deals with more prolonged or chronic conditions that prevent employees from working for extended periods. This process involves a comprehensive evaluation of the employee’s medical condition, ongoing communication with healthcare providers, and continuous monitoring of the employee’s progress.

Throughout the process, the case manager works to identify return-to-work opportunities in their job, or ongoing identification of suitable accommodations or alternative roles. Long-term disability management aims to provide sustained support, promote employee well-being, and facilitate a smooth transition back to work or into a new role.

Bridges Health has several services to support short-term and long-term disability through health coordination, vocational return-to-work programs, and occupational health coaching.

Features

Initial Assessment
A thorough evaluation of the employee’s medical information, understanding the job demands, and analytical assessment of the supported absence and recovery options.
Ongoing case management support
As the case evolves, developing a tailored plan to address the specific needs of the disabled employee, including monitoring and optimizing medical treatment, rehabilitation opportunities, and workplace accommodations.
Communication with Healthcare Providers
Ensuring seamless communication between the employee, healthcare providers, and the employer to facilitate effective treatment and accommodation opportunities as they are identified.
Accommodation and Return-to-Work Planning
Creating a structured plan to help the employee transition back to work, including gradual reintegration and outlining any temporary or permanent job modifications.
Ongoing Monitoring and Support
Regular follow-ups to track the employee’s progress, adjust case management plan as needed, and provide continuous support through the course of the absence.
Meticulous Documentation
Maintaining accurate records and ensuring status updates are provided to the employer, insurer and employee to maintain clear lines of communication throughout the process.

Benefits

Short-term and long-term disability benefits are provided by employers and insurers to provide support for employees facing illness or injury challenges. These benefits are aimed at ensuring financial support during periods of illness or injury, which allows employees to focus on their medical recovery without the added stress.

Short-term and long-term disability benefits help employers manage employee absences, ensure accurate and timely status updates regarding potential duration of absence, and are part of an overall total rewards program. By providing these benefits, employers demonstrate their commitment to their workforce’s health and security, ultimately leading to increased loyalty and productivity. Additionally, disability benefits help reduce absenteeism and turnover, as employees are more likely to return to work when they feel supported.

Essential components of a comprehensive employee benefits package, contributing to a healthier, more resilient workforce.

Early monitoring and identification of managed accommodation opportunities may lead to reduced absence durations and promote return to work.

For employers, ensures they are compliant with privacy laws by not being involved in the medical management of an employee's absence.