WORKERS COMPENSATION QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

 

QUESTION: To which evaluation module should I refer my client?

 

ANSWER: Do not hesitate to call your local Vocational Evaluator to consult with them. Generally a one day module is adequate to answer basic questions involving academic levels, basic aptitudes, and vocational interests. When the client is limited English-speaking or is in need of a number of hands-on work samples, a three day module is the most appropriate referral. Simulated assessment of specific jobs, generally require a three-to-five day module when physical tolerances and stamina are important to establish when the client's feasibility to participatein full-time employment is in questions, a five-to-ten day module is the most appropriate referral.

 

QUESTION: When is a client eligible to be invoiced under the Vocational Rehabilitation Fee Schedule?

 

ANSWER: Clients that were injured post-1/1/04, are not eligible to be invoiced under the Vocational Evaluation Module rates. Industrially injured workers with a date of injury after 1/1/04 are generally tested under the Medical Fee Schedule via Work Tolerance Testing (97660) or Functional Capacity Evaluation (97670).

 

QUESTION: What if I have questions about the report or services I receive?

 

ANSWER: It is always a good practice to telephone the Vocational Evaluator with any questions you have. Attending an exit conference is additionally helpful. If you have further questions after receiving your report, you can generally send clients back for an additional evaluation or further testing, at no charge.

 

QUESTION: Can you conduct evaluations for patients that have difficulty speaking English?

 

ANSWER: At our centers we have staff bilingual in Spanish. Some staff members speak additional languages generally including; Vietnamese, Korean, Armenian, Farsi, Russian, Khmer. Additionally, the use of hands-on work samples at all of our centers allows us to provide testing with individuals who cannot speak English. Many of our test instruments are available in Spanish, some other languages, or are hands-on in nature.