A valuable claim management tool is communication with the attending physician. The employer has a legal right and responsibility to discuss matters concerning the injured employee’s claim and return to work issues with the attending doctor. Some questions to ask the doctor include:
• What is the diagnosis? What’s wrong?
• What is the prognosis?
• What are the plans for treatment?
• When can the employee return to work?
• Would you consider releasing the employee to modified or light duty?
• What can we do to assist the employee in returning to work?

It is also proper that regular communication with the injured employee be made to provide assistance and encouragement.