Interview with MCO next week

[roxie144]

I have an interview with a workers comp managed care organization next week and am looking for some advice.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Do you have any case manager experience?

One thing that I have observed over the years is that a WC case manager must be able to (at times) put aside the primary role of patient advocate, which is why I don't think I could ever do it. WC does not (in my opinion) always operate in the best interests of the patient. It is likely no more or less patient-unfriendly than some of the more restrictrive managed-care HMO's, but WC CM's must follow the company guidelines to a 't'. At times, the outcome appears to be deny, deny, deny. Or "get the patient off the payroll by any means possible."

If I ever incurred an injury that could be in any way, shape or form be construed as self-inflicted as opposed to work-related, I would gladly take on a greater financial share of the medical costs, rather than insert myself into the WC system.

[roxie144]

I have no CM experience and the company is aware of that. Case management is something I have had my eye on but don't possess the experience most companies require. I do see where you are coming from that feeling you may not feel as if your acting as a patient advocate.