Margot Miller

Physical Therapy Products recently spoke with Margot Miller, VP, Provider Solutions for WorkWell Systems, Aliso Viejo, Calif, about what her company provides and what it is developing for the future.

For those who don't know, what does WorkWell offer?

WorkWell Systems is focused on improving worker availability throughout the entire employment life cycle, by matching the worker's physical abilities to the work that needs to get done, keeping them productive and at work.

Your company says it takes a "new approach" to an "old problem." What is that philosophy?

Our "new approach" is to view workers' compensation as a quality problem that is measurable and preventable. WorkWell Systems applies quality-improvement processes to reduce on-the-job injuries and related workers' compensation costs. The earlier a problem is avoided or prevented, the less costly it is. If a problem is not avoided or fixed at the early, the cost to solve the problem increases significantly. And more importantly, the cost of "failure" in workers' compensation is an injury to a worker. And sometimes, the failure is so great that a worker has permanent health effects and never re-enters the workforce.

Too many companies spend most of their money fixing the failure of work injury after an injury has occurred. WorkWell believes that the key is for companies to invest in prevention, rather than continuing to spend "after the fact" on workers' compensation. Whether it is determining the ability of a new worker to do the job or helping an aging or injured worker to stay at work, WorkWell helps companies to preserve their investment in people.

What went into updating the Functional Job Analysis (FJA) Prework Screening (PWS) program?

We used a similar process to update FJA/PWS as we did for updating our FCE. This included getting a field perspective and suggestions from WorkWell Providers, therapists, and faculty that are actively using our system and methodology. We focused on including the most up-to-date information related to ADA/EEOC regulations, uniform guidelines to selection, and pertinent legal cases. We upgraded our documentation system to be more efficient while providing a variety of report options.

What did you learn from the process of updating the FCE?

The importance of involving our current providers and faculty members in the redesign process. We evaluated all changes that were recommended to the FCE redesign task force and made changes based on research, evidence, and clinical rationale.

What is WorkWell developing now? What are you planning for the future?

WorkWell continues to develop and refine our documentation system to meet the needs of our providers and therapists; we are involved in a couple of research projects; and we have significantly expanded the Prework Screen and FCE referral business for our providers, and will continue to focus in this area.

What does WorkWell offer that other organizations do not or cannot?

WorkWell offers a comprehensive support system that is available to health care facilities and therapists who have our programs and are in our quality network. We are available 5 days a week, from 7 am to 7 pm CST. We provide clinical and technical support and training, analytic services, referral business, and more.