Work Recovery Professional

I started my clinical career as a physician’s assistant. After 44 years of being a physician’s assistant, the national organization elected to change the title to physician’s associate in 2021.  For workers’ compensation professionals, known as adjusters, claims examiners, and specialists handling medical-only or lost-time cases, among others, continuing education is required to maintain their licenses in the 30 jurisdictions where they adjudicate claims.

The nature of dealing with injured individuals and the essence of claim file handling is changing. There is a relatively new certification on the chess board: Work Recovery Professional. This certification demonstrates how the claims process is handled, but also outlines the changes to the approach to the injured employee.

A work comp injury is more than making sure that a stubbed toe is handled as quickly as possible and within the guidelines of best practices, one also needs to note all aspects of the injury and how it affects the injured worker.

As a PA, I also had specific requirements for added education. As a cost containment professional, I have presented a number of educational topics designated to aid those claim professionals in their individual development.

The purpose of this training was to aid those claim file handlers in understanding the importance of following the statute, the rules, and regulations. With these enhanced skill levels, knowledge, and noting the complexity of delivering health care to an evidence-based medicine standard, having these best practices delivered to you will improve your efficiency. Additionally, it will allow you to be a stronger advocate for the injured employee, as well as the customer you serve, and demonstrate to your chain of command your candidacy for career advancement.

So, take this away, titles change, and like medicine, the standards of practice change. With your added training as a work recovery professional, obtaining that certification will serve all aspects of the claims adjudication process, including yourself.