Treatment program yields more complete records; 20% cleared to return to work, presenters say

MMRO clinicians told the work group that a treatment program for claimants built sustained medical records and changed the composition of subsequent disability claims.

"As of July 2026 ... 91 members had completed the treatment program," MMRO's clinical lead said, summarizing data supplied with the presentation. She said about 20% of those completers were judged ineligible to apply for disability benefits and approved by treating providers to return to work. The remaining roughly 80% had stronger longitudinal evidence (24 to 32 weeks of treatment documentation) and now make up many recent disability claims to review.

Presenters argued that programs producing sustained treatment and documentation can reduce initial denials based on sparse evidence and help physician reviewers reach clearer conclusions about functional impairment. Work group members asked for the underlying data and follow-up on whether those cleared to return to work remained at work; MMRO offered to provide more detailed outcome data to staff.