Supporting Providers

L&I collaborates with providers/staff to implement evidence-based occupational health best practices that reduce workers' long-term disability. In addition, these practices make it easier for providers to do business with L&I. We understand that health care providers are the experts in patient care, so our programs are created in collaboration with providers for providers and their staff.

Supporting Workers

On-the-job injuries are more likely to resolve when workers return to the workplace within three months, resulting in positive professional and personal outcomes. The majority of workers return to work after two doctor's visits or less. Workers needing ongoing medical monitoring benefit from health services coordination. Occupational health best practice programs support workers throughout their care by offering provider-based health services coordinators who act as liaisons throughout the recovery process.

Supporting Employers

Our programs partner with employers and their representatives to ensure early communication. Best practice providers, along with their health services coordinators, assist employers in understanding and successfully navigating the recovery process.

There are a number of documents that can help you gather more information about occupational health best practices:

• COHE Evaluation (2007)
• COHE Evaluation updated (2018)
• Functional Recovery Questionnaire (FRQ)  Study
• A How To Guide For Injury and Work Place Disability Prevention (2021):  This links to the IAIABC resource center that requires you to enter some demographic information and then allows you access to this document.  An executive summary is also available. 
• Visit our Industrial Insurance Medical Advisory Committee website.
• Visit our Industrial Insurance Chiropractic Advisory Committee website.
• Review our Medical Treatment Guidelines and Practice Resources.
• New short videos now available:
  • Introduction to Workers' Compensation in Washington State
  • Overview of the claims process and helping workers heal and return to work