Nurse Case Manager — Insurance Claims Definition
Workers Comp
A registered nurse who coordinates medical care and return-to-work for an injured worker, often hired by the carrier or employer.
Nurse case managers facilitate appointments, communicate restrictions to employers, and aim to control medical costs and duration. Their duty is not to the patient alone — conflicts can arise; some states regulate NCM involvement.
Examples
An NCM schedules ortho follow-up and arranges a transitional duty desk job consistent with lifting restrictions.
Common Mistakes
Perceived pressure to rush MMI. Workers should still rely on treating physicians for medical decisions.
