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Association between workers’ compensation claim processing times and work disability duration: Analysis of population level claims data

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  • Gray, Shannon E.
  • Lane, Tyler J.
  • Sheehan, Luke
  • Collie, Alex

Abstract

Delays in workers’ compensation claim processing (CP) times have been associated with reduced recovery and delayed return-to-work. This study aimed to (1) determine the injury, worker, and workplace factors associated with CP delays and (2) investigate whether CP delays are associated with longer disability duration after adjusting for these factors. Retrospective cohort analysis of Australian workers’ compensation claims was conducted from 1st July 2009 to 30th June 2016 for objective (1) and to 30th June 2014 for objective (2). CP times were derived by calculating differences in days between: injury and lodgement dates (lodgement); lodgement and decision dates (decision) and; injury and decision dates (total). All CP times were shorter for younger workers and those with fractures or traumatic injury, and longer for those with neurological or mental health conditions, and other diseases. Claims from self-insured employers had shorter decision times. With increasing lodgement, decision and total time there was significantly higher hazard of longer disability duration. Findings suggest the need for more efficient claims management to ensure fewer barriers to claim lodgement or approval. This in turn should reduce disability duration and ensure improved return-to-work outcomes.

Suggested Citation

  • Gray, Shannon E. & Lane, Tyler J. & Sheehan, Luke & Collie, Alex, 2019. "Association between workers’ compensation claim processing times and work disability duration: Analysis of population level claims data," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 123(10), pages 982-991.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:hepoli:v:123:y:2019:i:10:p:982-991
    DOI: 10.1016/j.healthpol.2019.06.010
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jeff Biddle & Karen Roberts, 2003. "Claiming Behavior in Workers' Compensation," Journal of Risk & Insurance, The American Risk and Insurance Association, vol. 70(4), pages 759-780, December.
    2. Richard J. Butler & William G. Johnson & Marjorie L. Baldwin, 1995. "Managing Work Disability: Why First Return to Work is Not a Measure of Success," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 48(3), pages 452-469, April.
    3. Bartys, Serena & Frederiksen, Pernille & Bendix, Tom & Burton, Kim, 2017. "System influences on work disability due to low back pain: An international evidence synthesis," Health Policy, Elsevier, vol. 121(8), pages 903-912.
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    1. Fabrizio Russo & Sergio De Salvatore & Luca Ambrosio & Gianluca Vadalà & Luca Fontana & Rocco Papalia & Jorma Rantanen & Sergio Iavicoli & Vincenzo Denaro, 2021. "Does Workers’ Compensation Status Affect Outcomes after Lumbar Spine Surgery? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-21, June.

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