Referring Patients Who May Need to Travel for Specialized Treatment

Convivio Health helps providers, claim managers, and vocational partners coordinate access to specialized workers’ compensation treatment programs across Washington.

Submit a Referral

Request Program Fit Review

Our team can help review program fit, available locations, scheduling options, and the information needed to support treatment coordination.

When Travel for Specialized Treatment May Be Appropriate

Some injured workers need services that may not be available in their local community. Travel may be appropriate when the patient requires a specialized occupational rehabilitation program, interdisciplinary care, functional testing, or a higher level of treatment coordination.

Specialized program is unavailable locally
Patient needs interdisciplinary care
SIMP or BIRP access is limited in the patient’s region
FCE or work rehabilitation capacity is unavailable nearby
The case requires coordinated return-to-work planning
The patient has stalled progress with standard conservative care
A claim manager or provider needs objective functional information

Referral Fit Indicators

This section helps professionals quickly identify whether a patient may be appropriate for referral.

Persistent pain limiting function

Delayed recovery

Complex workers’ compensation case

Need for structured interdisciplinary treatment

Brain injury-related cognitive or functional limitations

Need for objective work capacity testing

Difficulty progressing toward return to work

Need for coordinated treatment planning

Limited access to appropriate services near the patient’s home

Helpful Information to Include With a Referral

Patient name and contact information
Claim number
Date of injury
Claim manager contact information
Referring provider information
Diagnosis / accepted condition information
Recent chart notes

Relevant imaging or testing
Current work status
Activity Prescription Form, if available
Prior treatment history
Program being requested, if known
Authorization information, if already obtained

If you are unsure if a patient is a good fit for our programs, our team can review the referral and help identify the most appropriate next step.

Programs and Services Available

SIMP Pain Management

Interdisciplinary pain management for injured workers with complex pain presentations and functional recovery needs.

Brain Injury Rehabilitation

Specialized rehabilitation for workers with cognitive, behavioral, functional, and work-readiness challenges following brain injury.

How the Referral Process Works

Referral Is Submitted

Referral documents are sent to Convivio Health through the appropriate referral channel.

Intake Review

Our team reviews the referral, claim information, requested service, and available documentation.

Program Fit and Location Review

We determine which program and location may be appropriate based on patient need, service availability, and scheduling capacity.

Coordination With Patient and Claim Contacts

Our team coordinates scheduling and communicates relevant appointment or program information.

Treatment or Evaluation Begins

The patient begins the appropriate program, evaluation, or service with the Convivio Health team.

Travel and Claim Coordination

When patients may need to travel, claim managers and insurers play the central role in determining travel approval, reimbursement rules, and documentation requirements.

Mileage questions should be directed to the claim manager or insurer
Lodging and meal approval should be confirmed before travel
Appointment verification may be needed
Prior authorization may apply depending on the service
Convivio can provide program and appointment information
Reimbursement decisions remain with the insurer or claim manager

Convivio Health does not determine travel reimbursement eligibility. We support care coordination by providing appointment, program, and location information needed by the patient, referring provider, or claim manager.

Regional Access Across the Puget Sound Area

Convivio Health provides specialized occupational health and rehabilitation services through multiple regional access points.

Lynnwood

Renton

Referral Coordination Questions

Who can submit a referral?

Referrals may come from treating providers, claim managers, vocational counselors, employers, attorneys, or other authorized claim participants depending on the case.

Can Convivio help determine program fit?

Yes. Our team can review available information and help identify which program may be appropriate.

Is prior authorization required?

Authorization requirements vary by service, claim, and insurer. Claim managers and insurers should confirm requirements before care begins.

Can patients travel from outside the Puget Sound area?

Yes, when appropriate. Travel logistics and reimbursement questions should be coordinated with the claim manager or insurer.

What documentation is most helpful?

Recent chart notes, claim details, diagnosis information, prior treatment history, work status, and the reason for referral are especially helpful.

Need Help Coordinating a Referral?

Our intake team can help review program fit, available locations, scheduling options, and referral documentation requirements.