Workers' compensation medical provider networks should be significantly different than group medical insurance networks. In group medical panels should be as large as possible. One attempts to persuade as many providers as possible to participate for the agreed upon reimbursement. In workers' compensation, however, we look for a much smaller panel; one that includes the right doctors with the clinical, philosophical and communication skills required to be a good workers' compensation provider.

These physicians should be inclined to help workers return to work as soon as possible rather than looking for opportunities to delay that return. Good work comp providers recognize the fastest way to recovery is to have the patient in the workplace and not at home. These providers also possess the communication skills that allow them to effectively convey this message to their injured patients and to deal appropriately with employers. Most of all, they must be willing to communicate openly and effectively with OMCA nurse case managers.