DMI’s Early Intervention Program is designed to provide proactive support to employers and employees facing a medical leave of absence from work. Employers refer their employees to DMI as soon as they are aware an employee may be away for five or more business days. Once DMI receives the referral, the case is assigned to an Early Intervention Specialist (EIS). The EIS then works directly with the employer, employee, and other stakeholders, to create a customized plan that ensures a safe and sustainable return to work.
DMI’s Early Intervention Program includes:
- Ongoing communication with employers and employees
- Partnering with healthcare providers
- Assistance navigating the healthcare system
- Referring for additional supports and services
- Integration with our rehabilitation and specialty services
- Developing and monitoring return-to-work programs
- Application facilitations for disability benefits, as required
It has been shown that when an Early Intervention Program is implemented, return-to-work rates increase, and Long-Term Disability claim rates decrease by four times. In addition to these decreases, helping employees back to work sooner supports employers to retain their valued employees, employees experience an improved quality of life, and the indirect costs of a disability are reduced. Therefore, Early Intervention Services can not only relieve stress for employers and employees, but it can help reduce operating and premium costs for employers.
The Employers’ Role in an Early Intervention Program:
- Ensure that participation in the early intervention program is included as a critical component of your internal sick leave policies.
- DMI can help determine how to implement this in your organization and communicate the change to your employees.
- Refer employees as soon as you know their absence will exceed five days.
- Data shows that when files are received a month or more after the first day of absence, employees are 2-3 times more likely to file a Long-term Disability claim.
- Make sure your leadership team is informed and aware of your absence management policies. They are a trusted resource for your employees.
- Explore opportunities for modified or light duties within your organization to support more effective return to work programs.
- Continue to communicate with your employees on medical leave – even if you are working with an external disability management provider it is important to keep employees connected to the workplace and let them know you care.
Talk to an expert today!
DMI is committed to providing timely support and information to our clients. We have been working with employees and employers nationwide to provide comprehensive end-to-end solutions for their absence and disability management needs.
Interested in learning more about our Early Intervention Programs and how disability management services can help control disability claim costs? Request a free review of your claims experience from a DMI expert to determine if you will benefit from DMI’s claims management services.