COHN Occupational Case Management Questions and Answers — Questions and Answers
Question 1: An employee has been out of work for three weeks following a back injury sustained at work. The occupational health nurse, acting as a case manager, is developing a return-to-work (RTW) plan. Which of the following is the MOST critical initial step in this process?
- Scheduling a functional capacity evaluation (FCE) to determine the employee's maximum work abilities.
- Meeting with the employee's supervisor to discuss potential modified duty assignments.
- Obtaining a detailed medical report and work restrictions from the treating physician. (Correct answer)
- Filing the necessary paperwork for short-term disability benefits.
Correct answer: Obtaining a detailed medical report and work restrictions from the treating physician.
The foundation of any successful and safe return-to-work plan is a clear understanding of the employee's current medical status and physical limitations as determined by their treating physician. This information dictates all subsequent steps, including identifying appropriate modified duties and assessing functional capacity.
Question 2: What is the primary goal of occupational case management from the employer's perspective?
- To minimize the employee's time away from work and control associated costs. (Correct answer)
- To ensure the employee receives the most advanced medical treatment available.
- To strictly enforce company attendance policies.
- To gather information for potential disciplinary action.
Correct answer: To minimize the employee's time away from work and control associated costs.
Occupational case management aims to facilitate a safe and timely return to work for an injured or ill employee. This benefits the employer by controlling costs associated with workers' compensation, disability, and lost productivity, while also supporting the employee's recovery.
Question 3: An employee with a history of anxiety requests a modified work schedule as an accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As the case manager, what is the occupational health nurse's initial responsibility?
- Immediately grant the request to avoid potential litigation.
- Request access to the employee's complete psychiatric medical history.
- Inform the employee that mental health conditions are not covered by the ADA.
- Engage in an interactive process with the employee to understand the limitations and explore reasonable accommodations. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Engage in an interactive process with the employee to understand the limitations and explore reasonable accommodations.
The ADA requires employers to engage in a good-faith interactive process when an employee requests an accommodation. This involves a dialogue between the employer and employee to identify the precise limitations resulting from the disability and explore potential reasonable accommodations that would allow the employee to perform essential job functions.
Question 4: Which of the following is a key function of an occupational health nurse in the role of a case manager?
- Prescribing medication for the injured employee.
- Representing the employee in legal disputes with the insurance company.
- Coordinating communication between the employee, healthcare providers, and the employer. (Correct answer)
- Determining the final disability rating for a workers' compensation claim.
Correct answer: Coordinating communication between the employee, healthcare providers, and the employer.
A central role of the occupational health nurse case manager is to act as a liaison, ensuring clear and consistent communication among all stakeholders. This facilitates a coordinated approach to care, recovery, and a safe return to work.
Question 5: A manufacturing employee is diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome, a condition potentially aggravated by their job tasks. In managing this case, the occupational health nurse should prioritize which of the following interventions?
- Advising the employee to seek employment in a different industry.
- Recommending immediate surgery to resolve the condition.
- Conducting an ergonomic assessment of the employee's workstation. (Correct answer)
- Placing the employee on indefinite medical leave.
Correct answer: Conducting an ergonomic assessment of the employee's workstation.
A primary principle of occupational health is to identify and mitigate workplace hazards. An ergonomic assessment helps to identify risk factors in the employee's job tasks and environment that may be causing or exacerbating the condition. Addressing these factors is crucial for both recovery and prevention of future injury.
Question 6: The effectiveness of an occupational case management program is best measured by which combination of outcomes?
- The number of litigated claims and the total cost of prescription medications.
- Employee satisfaction surveys and the number of grievances filed.
- The total number of cases managed and the frequency of medical appointments.
- Reduced lost workdays, lower workers' compensation costs, and successful return-to-work rates. (Correct answer)
Correct answer: Reduced lost workdays, lower workers' compensation costs, and successful return-to-work rates.
The success of a case management program is ultimately measured by its ability to achieve its primary goals: facilitating timely and safe return to work, which in turn reduces the duration of disability (lost workdays) and controls the associated insurance and productivity costs.
COHN Occupational Case Management Questions and Answers
An employee has been out of work for three weeks following a back injury sustained at work.
The occupational health nurse, acting as a case manager, is developing a return-to-work (RTW) plan.
Which of the following is the MOST critical initial step in this process?