Return to Work Program

Return to Work Program and Onsite Job Analyses

Early Return to Work
From the inception of the case management assignment, and throughout the case management process, the case manager assesses the injured worker's potential for return to work through on-site visits to the employer. We make onsite visits to perform job analyses and to discuss return-to-work potential, either in the same job, a modified job or a different job, depending upon the injured worker's physical capabilities.

The case manager works very closely with the employers to assist them in developing viable alternatives to lost time and making accommodations to permanent restrictions when the need arises.

The nurse, by obtaining all the available information and sharing information with the treating physician and employer, can coordinate a successful, healthy and safe return to work at the earliest possible date.

Job Analyses
One of the most difficult decisions for a physician is whether an injured worker’s restrictions meet the requirements of a job, and vice versa. Without the benefit of actually seeing how the job is done, it is oftentimes impossible to get an accurate picture of what the job entails. We believe that if you cannot bring the physician to the job, we will bring the job to the physician.

M. Salerno & Associates, Inc. responded to this problem by asking the physicians what they need to more readily determine the employee’s ability to RTW. We do this by way of a video analysis of the job, or by the use of written job descriptions accompanied by color photos. Oftentimes, the need for a Functional Capacity Evaluation was eliminated because the doctor was able to “see” the patient actually performing the job, or being able to observe another employee demonstrating the required tasks.

Our case managers perform videotaped job analyses for employers on a case-by-case basis or we can prepare an entire job bank for all of the jobs in a particular facility. These videos are put on a convenient CD and provided to the insured for future use, and can be modified at any time. The videos and/or photos are available to the physical therapist to assist them in developing individualized rehab programs with the goal of return-to-work in mind. They are also helpful educational tools used as evidence during settlement proceedings.

M. Salerno & Associates, Inc.
PO Box 5207

Maryville, Tennessee 37801

Phone: 865-681-0702

Fax: 865-681-6558

Support@msalernoandassociates.com