Implementing this type of triage can reduce the likelihood of OSHA recordable injuries, lost workdays, and lessen the number of visits to office clinics and hospitals.
A triage nurse is the first point of clinical contact for patients visiting an ER and is a registered nurse positioned in an emergency room or other facility that is responsible for assessing patients calling in and determining their level of need for medical assistance.
The criteria used to evaluate a patient include:
- the type of injury, illness or cause for concern
- severity
- symptoms
- patient explanation of emergency, and
- vital signs
Responsibilities of a triage nurse include:
- performing patient assessment
- reassessing patients who are waiting
- initiating emergency treatment (if necessary)
- sorting patients into priority groups according to guidelines
- communicating status of patients to doctors and nurses
The cost of an injury claim directly impacts the cost of worker’s compensation insurance. The faster an injury claim can be completed, the lower the costs of the claim will be.
To reduce lost time of reporting the injury claim, encourage your drivers to get the injury claim process going immediately by utilizing a nurse triage.
When an injury occurs, your employee calls the nurse triage phone number to speak with a trained nurse. From there, the nurse can direct the driver to self-administer first aid or recommend a designated medical care facility.
At the conclusion of the call, the claim is immediately reported to the motor carrier, insurance company, and treating medical facility.
Additionally, we recommend creating a strict guideline where injuries are required to be reported immediately as this can keep claim costs low.
Additional benefits of a nurse triage, include:
- cutting down on reporting time to the insurer
- organizing evidence and documentation to prevent fraud
- providing employers with a simple and affordable way to report injuries that occur from or during work
- putting employees in insured networks and helping them avoid expensive ER visits
- helping the carrier gather information and data regarding injuries and accidents
Have an illness and want to avoid busy Doctor’s offices or medical facilities?
CNS Occupational Medicine offers a Nurse Triage Injury Hotline allowing employers to respond to workplace injuries the day the injury occurs. Our trained medical professionals will help workers determine the best course of action after an injury, either providing self-care instruction or directing the individual to an appropriate level of care.
You can call or email the CNS’ Occupational Medicine team at info@cnsoccmed.com with questions about nurse triage phone lines and telemedicine or to schedule a CNS Telemedicine appointment at 800.551.9816.
Our goal is to get you or your employees well quickly and safely so you or they can return to work fully recovered.
