Challenge Your Exam Readiness With Our Free CDMS Practice Questions

Comprehensive and Detailed Explanation:

In CDMS case management, decisions must always be based on current, accurate, and medically supported information. When an employee reports partial improvement but no updated restrictions are available, the CDMS cannot safely assume functional readiness or proceed with return-to-work planning without clarification.

The appropriate next step is to contact the treating physician (with proper consent) to obtain updated functional status, restrictions, and prognosis. This ensures that workplace recommendations align with medical reality and reduce risk of reinjury or premature return.

Option A is unsafe and ignores medical uncertainty. Option B delays care coordination, which can prolong disability. Option D removes communication channels essential for collaborative disability management.

CDMS professionals act as intermediaries between clinical and workplace systems. Accurate functional data is essential for designing modified duties or graduated return-to-work plans. Therefore, option C is the most appropriate and aligns with evidence-based disability management principles emphasizing timely communication and medical validation.