R's and L's
The C's
Return-to-Work (RTW) Process & Prognosis
Codes, Terms, and Key Definitions
Clinical Scenarios
100

What task involves using hands to operate a computer?

What is keyboarding?

100

A finding where patient reports match the medical evidence.

What is consistency? 

100

TADS stands for

Who are Transition Advisor Disability Specialists?

100

This code summarizes overall capacity for return to work.

What is the cap code?

100

If the DCM has not asked for a differing opinion letter in their referral SOAP but the clinician thinks one might be needed, what is the next step?

What is Initiate a claim discussion (CD) with the DCM.

200

This symptom often limits walking after knee replacement surgery.

What is pain or stiffness?

200

This “C” focuses on whether all treating providers agree on the claimant’s limitations.

What is Consensus?

200

This specialist provideds motivational support and barrier removal for uncertain RTW.

Who is the STD MSK & BH CM (CRTWS)?

200

The section where you document “4-6 weeks to improvement after PT.”

What is prognosis?

200

What should a clinician do if vocational information is missing or unclear before sending an AP letter?

What is Collaborate with the DCM to consider vocational consultation.?

300

When PT notes show weakness and antalgic gait, restrict this activity to "occasional."

What is standing or walking?

300

When reviewing treatment records, this "C" is about whether the provider's findings are stable over time and if the treatment matches the level of restriction reported.

What is Credibility?

300

When a claimant needs a new job, new employer, or retraining, and is receiving LTD, which specialist is responsible for job seeking assistance and possibly recommending ergonomic evaluation or adaptive technology?

Who is the LTD VRS (Vocational Rehabilitation Specialist)?

300

What does the guide define as “Frequently” in terms of time and percentage?

What is 34–66% of the time, or 2 hours 40 minutes to 5 hours 20 minutes per day?

300

A written report completed after a clinician joins a claim discussion, used when extra review time is needed

What is a Claim Discussion/File Review Note (CD/FR)?

400

For severe anxiety and poor focus, restrict these tasks.

What are complex concentration/high-stress tasks?

400

For longstanding conditions, assess what changes have occurred over time. Establish a timeline to identify progression, remission, or any significant shifts in symptomatology or functional impact.

What is Change?

400

This specialist verifies RTW date and may coordinate with AP, ER, ADA.

Who is the Capability Specialist (CS)?

400

This term describes a task is that is performed less than 10% of the time,

What is rarely?

400

The specific kind of file review addendum written when new medical information is received within 6 months of the original review.

What is a File Review Addendum?

500

Name two physical demand tasks clinicians should document when assessing restrictions and limitations.

Examples include lifting/carrying/pushing/pulling and standing (others: sitting, walking, stooping, bending, etc.)

500

Determine whether the condition is recently developed in response to a specific triggering event or is longstanding and persistent.

What is Chronicity?

500

The role responsible for completing occupational reviews and employability analyses to support return-to-work planning.

Who are LTD VR Specialists or Forensic Specialists?

500

These are 15 minute discussions with a facilitator, claim manager, clinician, and vocational team member.

What are Facilitated Claim Discussions (FCDs)

500

A common “next step” if no return to work occurs after completing physical therapy?


What is obtain updated medical records, PT discharge, and updated patient/claimant communication about return-to-work plans?