Frequently asked questions for physicians
What is WorkConnections?
WorkConnections is an integrated disability management program developed by the University of Michigan to provide assistance when an employee experiences an illness or injury that prevents him/her from working. The program will provide assistance through the employee’s recovery and help facilitate a safe return to work.
How does WorkConnections work?
WorkConnections acts as a liaison with other programs and services at the University to ensure that you, your patient, and the supervisor have convenient and centralized access to a wide variety of resources. These resources include everything from coordinating the services of nurses, vocational rehabilitation counselors, therapists, and other professionals interested in your patient’s recovery to providing return-to-work support such as job analysis and ergonomic consultations.
Is there a cost to use WorkConnections?
There is no cost to the employee or his or her department to use the services offered by WorkConnections.
What happens during the employee’s time off for recovery?
WorkConnections staff will assist and provide support in the following ways during the recovery period:
- Contact the employee and you on a regular basis and act as a central clearinghouse for information
- Communicate with all physicians and define options for treatment and what we can do to assist your patient during recovery.
- Provide information to the employee and supervisor and respond to questions about your patient’s absence, benefits, and expected duration of disability.
- Explore options for assistance from other University resources.
Why does WorkConnections request a Health Care Provider Report or medical records?
- WorkConnections provides assistance in obtaining medical documentation that meets certain University’s requirements in order to expedite payment of sick time or other disability benefits. In addition, developing a relationship with the treatment team and obtaining complete medical information is critical to coordinating an effective plan to help your patient.
What about confidentiality of health information? Could WorkConnections ever share medical information against the employee’s wishes?
Health information belongs to your patient and WorkConnections guards it appropriately. This means that medical information is kept secure, private, and out of public view. Medical information cannot be sent to the home department, but updates regarding the employee’s status, projected duration of absence, and medical restrictions are provided regularly. Maintaining appropriate confidentiality is a fundamental principle of the program. Health information will be released only in the following circumstances:
- With written authorization from the employee
- When a strict need to know is established (e.g., for health/safety reasons, or to make employment status decisions)
- To comply with the requirements of the Workers' Disability Compensation Act.
Who is responsible for providing necessary medical documentation to justify an employee’s absence?
The employee is responsible for providing sufficient medical documentation to justify an absence. WorkConnections provides assistance by identifying what medical documentation is needed and, with authorization from the employee, will request it on your patient’s behalf.
Failure to obtain the necessary medical documentation to justify an absence could have a negative impact on the patient’s ability to obtain benefits.
Under HIPAA regulations, can a doctor or treating facility send medical documentation without written authorization?
- For work-related illness and injuries, medical documentation can be provided pursuant to the Workers' Disability Compensation Act. It's best, however, for the employee to sign the Authorization to Release Patient Information Form since medical conditions may overlap and the absence of complete medical information could result in a delay of services.
- For non-work-related illnesses and injuries, Authorization to Release Patient Information Form is required.
Can the Authorization to Release Medical Information be revoked?
Yes. Authorization may be revoked in writing at any time.
Will medical information be shared with the employee’s supervisor or other departments?
Supervisors who understand an employee's medical issues are often able to provide more support and assistance in identifying return to work options. For this reason, WorkConnections encourages employees to disclose information about their medical condition to their supervisor.
What if I do not agree with the plan or actions of WorkConnections?
Our primary objective is to provide assistance and support to facilitate a safe return to work. If there is a disagreement, discuss your concerns with your patient, his or her claims representative, or the WorkConnections supervisor. We will work with you to understand your concerns and find a solution.
What happens when my patient is ready to return to work?
WorkConnections' objective is to facilitate a safe and lasting return to work. Our staff will work with you, your patient, and his or her supervisor to:
- Help evaluate essential functions of the job and anticipate needs for accommodations, if required
- Discuss and develop a return-to-work plan
- Maintain regular contact with the employee and supervisor to coordinate the return-to-work plan
- Follow up on medical progress and assist with any problems or concerns after your patient has returned to work
What is a return-to-work plan?
A return-to-work plan is developed—with assistance from WorkConnections—by you, and other members of the treatment team, the employee, and his or her supervisor. Among other things, it includes information about any physical restrictions such as lifting or sitting for protracted periods of time, along with the target date on which the employee will be fully recovered and able to assume his or her regular duties.