For every workers’ compensation injury, there are probably dozens of ways that injury could unexpectedly spiral out of control, compromising a worker’s recovery and dramatically hiking up costs.

Payers and employers strive to spot red flags and address them swiftly. But, too often, issues aren’t flagged until treatment has already been compromised.

That’s why strategic engagement at the beginning of a claim matters, said Melissa Burke, vice president and head of managed care and clinical at AmTrust.

Risk & Insurance® spoke with Burke about achieving best practices by engaging at the onset of a claim, managing expectations and maintaining transparency.