CDMS (EXIN) cheat sheet
CDMS · Keep the key ideas within reach.
Disability Management Specialist Practice
Disability management is a systematic, coordinated workplace process that reduces the cost and incidence of disability by using prevention, early intervention, case management, and return-to-work strategies.
The four core components of a disability management program are: prevention (health and safety), early intervention (prompt reporting and triage), case management (coordination of care and claims), and return-to-work (accommodation and graduated return).
Early intervention benchmarks: contact the injured/ill worker within 24–48 hours of report; complete initial assessment within 3–5 business days; refer to rehabilitation or case management when absence is expected to exceed 5–10 days.
The case management process follows a cyclical model: referral/intake → assessment → planning → implementation → monitoring → evaluation → closure, with documentation at every stage.
A functional job description (FJD) lists the physical, cognitive, and environmental demands of a position (e.g., lifting 25 lb, sitting 6 hours, keyboarding) and is the basis for matching worker abilities to job demands.
Return-to-work (RTW) plan elements: transitional duties, graduated hours, temporary modifications, duration and review dates, responsibilities of worker/supervisor/healthcare provider, and measurable goals.
Accommodation is a legally required adjustment (under ADA in the US, duty to accommodate in Canada) unless it imposes undue hardship; the interactive process involves the worker, employer, and healthcare provider.
Key outcome metrics: RTW rate, average days lost per case, duration of disability, cost per claim, recurrence rate, and modified-duty utilization; benchmark against pre-injury or industry data.
Confidentiality rules: medical information is kept separate from personnel files, shared only on a need-to-know basis, and consent is required for release of medical records except where legislation permits otherwise.