What is a nurse triage program: Q&A with UFG Workers Compensation Claims Supervisor Grant Gilliland

Getting hurt is a painful part of being human. If an injury hurts someone while on the job, workers compensation coverage is there to help employees on the road to recovery. Nurse triage is one policy perk some injured employees may use to feel better even faster. 

What is a nurse triage program and how might it benefit your business? UFG Workers Compensation Claims Supervisor Grant Gilliland has some answers.

I’ve never heard of nurse triage. What is it?

Gilliland: If an employee suffers an on-the-job injury, it’s important to connect with a medical professional (often a nurse) who can assess (or triage) care as soon as possible. Some workers compensation coverages offer a nurse triage program as a way for a policyholder’s injured employee to access fast care.

How does nurse triage work?

Gilliland: The concept is super convenient and it starts in the moments after an injury. The employee calls a number, usually toll free, to connect with a nurse who can triage the injury and make an appropriate recommendation or referral for care. Whether a simple pulled muscle in need of a heating pad or a more intense sprain that may need a doctor’s input, a nurse triage program offers a helpful, immediate connection to care. 

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Telehealth options also exist for many of these programs if a doctor’s opinion is needed. This just means, instead of visiting a brick-and-mortar clinic, a patient can have a digital visit instead. Often, a telehealth visit can happen within moments after the nurse determines it’s needed. That’s a big win for speed and convenience.

It’s important to remember that nurse triage is meant for non-serious occupational injuries. If a health emergency is underway at the workplace, nurse triage is not a substitute for emergency room care.

Why is nurse triage an important service?

Gilliland: The access to timely care is one reason nurse triage is a popular program, because that one fact alone can spark even more important benefits.

Employers often view employees as their most valuable asset. Not only are staff like second family, but they’re also a crucial part of business operations. If they get hurt on the job, there’s no doubt employers want to help them toward a speedy recovery — both as a caring friend and from an operations point of view. Nurse triage is one avenue that may help.

It’s also true that access to medical care at the time of a minor at-work injury helps prevent costly claims that can stem from putting off care. For example, let’s imagine an employee rolled their ankle while they were on the clock. They say they’re o.k., take some aspirin and keep going. But, nearly a week later, their ankle becomes swollen and inflamed because the injury has worsened. What may have been a simple medical treatment at the time of the injury has likely ballooned into a costly medical expense with the passing of time. Again, nurse triage may offer a solution.

What types of industries could benefit from this service?

Gilliland: All of them! If you have employees, you have the risk of someone getting hurt. We’re only human. We’re bound to have an accident now and then.

How can I find out if my workers compensation policy includes a nurse triage program?

Gilliland: If in doubt, ask your insurance agent. They can fill you in on the details of your policy.

If your workers compensation policy is with UFG Insurance, you’re in luck — you have access to nurse triage services through our provider, CorVel. Give your agent a call for more info.

Of course, you can reach out to one of our partner agents in your area if you’re wondering if UFG workers compensation coverage might be right for your business. They’ll be happy to walk you through what’s available in your state.