For many small businesses, a workplace injury can set off a chain reaction of uncertainty. Does the employee need immediate medical attention? Should they go to the emergency room, an urgent care clinic, or can the injury be managed another way? Who reports the claim? How quickly should the process begin?
The decisions made in the first few hours after an injury can significantly impact both the employee’s recovery and the overall cost of a workers’ compensation claim. That’s where Accident Fund’s TeleCompCare® program offers a different approach. Designed specifically for workplace injuries, TeleCompCare combines nurse triage, telemedicine, and first notice of loss reporting into a single process that helps injured workers receive appropriate care quickly.
Medical Guidance Available 24/7
When an injury occurs, employees can call TeleCompCare’s nurse triage line any time—24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. A registered nurse evaluates the injury and recommends the appropriate level of care based on evidence-based clinical guidelines. Depending on the situation, the employee may receive:
- Self-care instructions
- A referral to an occupational health clinic
- A virtual telemedicine appointment with an occupational physician
This helps ensure employees receive the right level of care while avoiding unnecessary delays.
Helping Injured Employees Get Care Faster
One of the most significant advantages of TeleCompCare is speed. According to Accident Fund, the average wait time to speak with a triage nurse is one minute or less. Telemedicine physicians used through the program average 15 years of primary and urgent care experience and can evaluate many workplace injuries through a virtual visit.
For employees, this can mean:
- Faster access to medical guidance
- Less time spent traveling to appointments
- Reduced time away from work
- Quicker access to prescriptions, physical therapy referrals, imaging, and follow-up care when needed
Reducing Administrative Burden for Employers
TeleCompCare doesn’t just help injured employees—it also streamlines the claims process for employers.
After the nurse assessment is completed, claim information is transmitted directly into the claims management system, creating the First Notice of Loss (FNOL). This eliminates the need for employers to separately report the injury to the carrier in many situations. Employers also receive the triage report, helping them stay informed about recommended treatment and next steps.
Why Early Reporting Matters
Research has consistently shown that workers’ compensation claims reported quickly tend to produce better outcomes. The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) found that claims reported within the first three days generally experience lower litigation and better overall outcomes than claims reported later. Claims delayed by more than two weeks are more likely to become complex, costly, and difficult to resolve.
TeleCompCare helps address this challenge. Since 2019:
- 64% of TeleCompCare claims were reported within 24 hours
- 24% were reported within 1-3 days
- 88% were reported within three days of injury
Results That Matter
Accident Fund’s data indicates that organizations utilizing TeleCompCare have experienced measurable improvements, including:
- 9% reduction in lost-time claims
- 4% reduction in attorney involvement
- Claims reported in an average of 2 days versus 22 days without TeleCompCare
- 38% reduction in indemnity paid
- 20% reduction in medical paid
Additional analysis found that TeleCompCare claims averaged 51% lower claim costs, producing average savings of approximately $6,247 per claim.
A Better Experience for Employees and Employers
Workplace injuries are never convenient, but the response process can make a meaningful difference.
By connecting injured employees with experienced nurses, facilitating access to telemedicine or provider care, and accelerating claim reporting, TeleCompCare helps employees receive timely care while helping employers manage claims more efficiently. For small businesses focused on controlling costs, supporting employees, and reducing administrative headaches, having a clear injury response process in place can be just as important as preventing injuries in the first place.
Click to download the Accident Fund TeleComp® Employer Packet and visit sbam.org/accidentfund to learn more about SBAM’s dividend program.