Threats of violence and actual violence are not uncommon with Workers Compensation claims. The anger is not always related to denials of specific treatments; there are also disputes over time-loss payments and cash payouts for residual impairment when a claim closes.
I recently retired as a nurse consultant at the WA state agency that man…
Threats of violence and actual violence are not uncommon with Workers Compensation claims. The anger is not always related to denials of specific treatments; there are also disputes over time-loss payments and cash payouts for residual impairment when a claim closes.
I recently retired as a nurse consultant at the WA state agency that manages WC claims. Armed state patrol officers were permanently stationed at the public entrance to the building, beginning sometime in the 80s or 90s, after a claims manager was shot dead by an angry claimant. During my 6 years at the dept, I was aware of several death threats to claims managers and/or the director.
A word of caution: While the rage at private health insurance companies and their CEOs is completely justified and the whole industry should be put out of business, we should not reflexively assume that EVERY denial is unjustified. Any healthcare system, including Medicare for All, will have evidence-based treatment guidelines determining when a procedure or treatment is medically necessary. Sometimes denial is appropriate.
Threats of violence and actual violence are not uncommon with Workers Compensation claims. The anger is not always related to denials of specific treatments; there are also disputes over time-loss payments and cash payouts for residual impairment when a claim closes.
I recently retired as a nurse consultant at the WA state agency that manages WC claims. Armed state patrol officers were permanently stationed at the public entrance to the building, beginning sometime in the 80s or 90s, after a claims manager was shot dead by an angry claimant. During my 6 years at the dept, I was aware of several death threats to claims managers and/or the director.
A word of caution: While the rage at private health insurance companies and their CEOs is completely justified and the whole industry should be put out of business, we should not reflexively assume that EVERY denial is unjustified. Any healthcare system, including Medicare for All, will have evidence-based treatment guidelines determining when a procedure or treatment is medically necessary. Sometimes denial is appropriate.