Apps Change Dynamics Of Injury Reporting

As enthusiasm grows for apps that help injured workers navigate the workers comp claims and recovery processes, the technology is evolving past downloadable programs to include web-based platforms that can be accessed from a wider range of devices.

Since apps began replacing email, faxes and phone calls that helped workers move from injury to recovery, the popularity of technology that connects them with claims and medical professionals has mushroomed, experts say.

Travelers Cos. Inc. introduced MyTravelers for Injured Employees five years ago and has seen ‘explosive use of it over time,’ said Rich Ives, vice president of business insurance claim in Hartford, Connecticut. More than 145,000 injured workers are registered to use the web-based portal, he said.

The popularity of apps is not expected to wane. A 2021 survey of 115 workers comp professionals by Enlyte Group in San Diego ranked mobile apps as the technology expected to have the biggest impact on comp over the next 10 years. It was the first time in three years that telemedicine didn’t hold the top spot.