The Value of Early Reporting

Immediate medical treatment should be sought for serious injuries and reported to MCIM the same day. Less urgent claims should be referred to the employer's established physician or clinic for treatment and reported to MCIM within 24 hours.

Michigan law allows an employer to direct medical service of an injured employee for the first 10 days. Prompt reporting allows MCIM to assist the employer in directing the employee to a preferred provider organization (PPO) physician or clinic. This is a network that contracts with medical providers to accept a lower charge than the Michigan fee schedule. Using providers within MCIM's PPO network controls costs and treatment duration, which benefits our policyholders and their employees. Early reporting also allows MCIM's experienced claim staff to promptly manage and direct all aspects of the claim including complete and accurate investigation, prompt specialist referrals and coordination of transitional return to work.

In Florida the law allows the employer to direct an injured worker's medical services for the first visit; afterwards medical care is directed by MCIM. Prompt reporting allows MCIM to direct the employee to a managed care provider or clinic. The managed care arrangement is a network of providers who accept a lower fee than the Florida fee schedule. The physicians are linked directly with the managed care providers. This allows for immediate communication and authorization of appropriate medical care, eliminating unnecessary medical treatment and ensuring a timely return to work.

At MCIM, we encourage employers to report all injuries and submit all medical bills to us for payment. When employers choose to cover minor injury expenses themselves, they forfeit the ability to have those medical bills paid under the fee schedule.

Employers also have the option of submitting a "record only" injury report on incidents that occur where no medical treatment has been sought. This provides documentation of the event, should an employee develop symptoms and seek treatment at a later date.

Effective claims handing begins prior to an injury by establishing a relationship with a physician or clinic. To report a claim, or for assistance in locating a physician in Michigan call 1-888-922-5246.