As a benefit only for members of the UCWCP, the Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO) grants access to over 350 primary and specialty physicians and chiropractors that were chosen for their medical expertise, experience with workers’ compensation and treatment of construction injuries, and their willingness to communicate quickly and clearly.
Because providers in the EPO are selected and approved by the parties up-front, disputes over the choice of treating doctor, work restrictions and direction of the treatment plan are rare. We are also able to obtain prompt approval for diagnostic tests and earlier appointments with specialists.
EPO providers are biased towards an early return to work, allowing light-duty whenever possible. They understand the negative impact on both the injured worker and the contractor when the patient is made to sit at home. Therefore, they are expected to update employees, employers and insurers about treatment plans and work restrictions within 24 hours of every appointment.
An injured employee should always call 911 for a life-threatening injury. For all other work place injuries, the employee must seek care at an EPO clinic.
Labor and Management Trustees are confident that faster appointments with the most experienced doctors using the best treatment protocols deliver the most successful outcomes for everyone.
The list of EPO physicians and clinics is available by clicking on the button, “Find a Treating Doctor” on the Home page or take me to the EPO Page.
Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) System
The UCWCP’s exclusive process for streamlining claim disputes is a faster, more efficient and more intuitive alternative to the statutory system. This ADR system has four steps that are clearly outlined and save all parties from navigating the complex and expensive statutory system.
With one point of entry into the ADR system, there is clarity and ease of access for all parties. Furthermore, no attorney is required until binding arbitration. This saves attorney fees for the employer, the workers’ compensation insurer, and the employee.
If a claim does need to be litigated, the statutory system can take up to 18 to 24 months to get to a hearing, while our ADR system gets to arbitration in as little as four to six months. The ADR system must be used by all parties, and arbitration decisions are binding.
Take me to a detailed description on the ADR Page.
Exclusive Rehabilitation Consultant Network
Medical and vocational rehabilitation services are provided throughout Minnesota by the program’s Exclusive Rehabilitation Consultant network of licensed and registered Qualified Rehabilitation Consultants (QRC). The goal of our QRCs is the same as the goal of contractors and employees: minimizing financial loss to the injured worker with a prompt return to the pre-injury job.
Our consultants are selected for their knowledge of the construction industry. They have been trained to assist with the employee’s medical treatment plan as well as develop a plan for returning to work safely. If a return to the trade is not possible, a plan is developed to return the injured employee to the highest standard of living possible.
Take me to the QRC Page.
Neutral Medical Examiner Panel
Either party may request a Dispute Resolution Examination (DRE) from a physician on the Neutral Medical Examiner Panel. These doctors have a duty to provide fair and objective reports in order to resolve issues such as liability, proposed surgery, permanent injury and return to work restrictions.
Panel members have earned a reputation of giving clear opinions based on objective medical evidence, and must actively practice in their chosen specialty. A complete examination of the patient and a thorough review of medical records must be completed. A detailed and comprehensive report is provided to all parties, regardless of the outcome. Only one neutral examination is allowed per disputed issue.
Take me to the DRE Page.
