Selecting the best provider network for your workers’ compensation and automobile no-fault claims can significantly impact your insurance company. Choosing a provider network that doesn’t serve your company’s needs can have detrimental consequences, while choosing a provider network that aligns with your company’s needs can bring a multitude of benefits. The following are some helpful hints that will assist you as you choose the best provider network for your insurance company.
Of course, a provider network needs to offer contracted rates for all physician prescribed services. Yet there are many other factors to consider. As you are evaluating the options for potential partner organizations, be sure to consider how selective the potential partner organization is when it comes to accepting medical providers into its network. The first question to ask is whether the providers in the network are experienced with the workers’ compensation and automobile no-fault industry and all the complexities that can come with it, especially when it comes to catastrophic injuries sustained in work or automobile accidents.
Along with this specialized knowledge in the workers’ compensation and auto no-fault industry, you will want to ensure that the providers are focused on making the claims adjudication process efficient rather than cumbersome. Providers should prioritize offering quality care, yet they also need to be responsive to your examiners/adjusters when they need assistance or have questions on a particular claim.
Second, you will want to determine what the potential partner organization’s standards are for accepting providers into the network. Providers should not be allowed entry into the network simply because they provide a certain type of medical care or equipment. Rather, the potential partner organization must have a system for credentialing its providers. Among many other things, that system must have a way of measuring the level and quality of care delivered by a provider.
In addition, the credentialing process should not stop once the provider gets accepted into the network. Each provider needs to be monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure they continue to offer the same high-quality care as when they were first accepted into the network. Furthermore, the providers need to be re-credentialed about once every three years to stay in the network.
One additional factor in choosing a workers’ compensation and auto provider network is the overall size of the network itself. Consider whether the providers are located within a small geographic area or a larger area. Ideally, you will want to work with a potential partner organization that has providers located throughout the United States. This will enhance convenience for your claimants, which drives up your claimant satisfaction scores and, ultimately, your retention rates as well.
Northwood is an experienced durable medical equipment, prosthetics, orthotics and medical supplies (DMEPOS), pharmacy and ancillary service provider that offers these benefits and many more. Northwood has over 30 years of experience in the workers’ compensation and auto no-fault industry and will serve as a trusted partner for your insurance company.
Please contact Rosanne Brugnoni at 586-755-3830 ext. 3771 to schedule a review of the many ways Northwood can assist your insurance company with its outstanding provider network.
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