It has now been a full two years since the lockdowns due to COVID-19 began. The beginning of the pandemic brought panic and unknowns. Many businesses scrambled to quickly facilitate the ability for their employees to work remotely, as offices were shut down across the country. As we pass the two-year mark, many changes have taken place. Some of these changes have the potential to impact the workers’ compensation industry.
Fortunately, the reported cases of COVID-19 seem to be on the decline as the official start of the spring season begins. Vaccines and booster shots are also readily available for those within the United States, adding a tool in the fight against COVID-19.
Companies and businesses of all sizes have also adjusted to more remote workers in general. Initially, the pandemic brought an immediate need for employees to be able to work from their homes rather than in a crowded office setting. As the pandemic lingers and additional variants of COVID-19 continue to be identified, remote work appears to be something that is here to stay for many companies.
Additional working options may be beneficial to employees. As employers, the option for staff members to work from their homes or various other locations outside of the office can pose some challenges. For example, remote work can be difficult to accurately underwrite when it comes to workers’ compensation insurance. In turn, administering work comp claims can carry additional obstacles due to remote work. Each employee’s home office location differs, making the risks a bit unknown for insurance companies.
Though these answers remain challenging even two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, there are important things you as an insurance company can do. One of the most efficient and effective ways your company can take a more proactive approach to administer workers’ compensation claims is to work with a third-party administrator (TPA).
Northwood is one TPA that assists insurance companies with work comp claims. Northwood also brings over 30 years of experience to the table, providing an array of appealing benefits to its partners.
Perhaps the best example of this is Northwood’s network of providers. Medical providers may request to join this network, but first, they undergo a thorough credentialing process. This process helps ensure that claimants receive the highest quality care that is injury related and offers them added convenience to improve their claims experience. In addition, these providers go through an annual review to ensure they are maintaining Northwood’s high standards of care.
As uncertainty surrounds COVID-19 and the workers’ compensation industry, it is perhaps more important than ever to take a proactive approach on these types of insurance claims. Please call Rosanne Brugnoni at 586-755-3830 ext. 3771 to examine the many ways that Northwood can benefit your insurance company as a TPA on all of your work comp claims.
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