Workers’ Comp Access to Care Crisis: Why Injured Workers Face Delays

Business Insurance – Online Article – March 3, 2026

Access to medical care has long been a challenge in workers’ compensation. However, provider shortages, hospital closures, and health system disruptions are now making it even harder for injured workers to receive timely treatment.

At the recent Workers Compensation Research Institute Issues & Research Conference, experts highlighted how delays in care can slow recovery, increase claim costs, and extend return-to-work timelines.

For injured workers, timely access to treatment is critical.

---

Why Access to Care Is Becoming More Difficult

Historically, access challenges were most common in rural areas. Today, they are appearing even in large metropolitan regions.

According to Dr. Mary Capelli-Schellpfeffer of Liberty Mutual, many providers listed in workers’ compensation networks simply do not accept workers’ comp patients. These “ghost networks” create confusion when injured workers attempt to schedule appointments.

Even outside workers’ compensation, patients often wait weeks or months for procedures. In workers’ comp cases, those delays can significantly impact recovery and return-to-work outcomes.

---

How Employers and Insurers Are Addressing the Problem

To improve access, stakeholders are adopting several strategies.

Telehealth and Nurse Triage

Telemedicine combined with 24/7 nurse triage helps injured workers quickly determine the appropriate level of care, especially in rural areas or for mobile workforces.

Direct Contracting with Providers

Employers and insurers increasingly contract directly with physicians and specialists to guarantee appointment availability when network providers are unavailable.

Network Segmentation

Workers’ compensation networks are also being reorganized around specific treatment categories such as rehabilitation services, durable medical equipment, and specialty care.

These approaches require stronger coordination at the claim level.

---

Regulatory Approaches to Improve Access

Some states are also addressing access issues through policy reforms.

For example, the Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation has focused on improving provider participation through:

• Predictable payment rules

• Annual medical fee schedule updates

• Administrative processes for resolving payment disputes

• Provider education programs and training

These steps make workers’ compensation easier for medical providers to navigate and encourage participation.

---

Employer-Led Solutions

Employers themselves are also taking action to reduce delays.

At The Hershey Company, safety teams build relationships with providers before injuries occur and help clinicians understand workplace demands.

In areas with limited medical resources, the company even provides transportation to appointments.

Some employers also operate on-site clinics staffed with nurses, emergency care providers, and physical therapists to address minor injuries early and prevent them from becoming serious claims.

---

Why Care Coordination Matters

Delayed care can significantly affect workers’ compensation outcomes. When injured workers receive prompt treatment, they are more likely to recover quickly and return to work sooner.

Effective care coordination — including scheduling support, provider communication, and treatment oversight — has therefore become a critical component of modern workers’ compensation systems.

oversight — has therefore become a critical component of modern workers’ compensation systems.

---

At RescueMeds, we see firsthand how delays in the healthcare system can disrupt recovery for injured workers.

Coordinating care — from provider access to medication delivery — helps reduce gaps in treatment and keeps injured workers on the path to recovery.

As the healthcare system continues to evolve, improving access to care will remain one of the most important priorities in workers’ compensation.