Employee Spotlight: Siham Moussaddaq

Siham Moussaddaq, Vice President Disability Management and Assessment

Meet Siham Moussaddaq. She leads the teams behind CloudMD’s non-occupational disability management, workers’ compensation, and assessment programs, which focus on prevention, early intervention, and safe return to work for employees.

Q1: What are the key components of CloudMD’s Disability Management, Workers Compensation, and Assessment programs that set them apart from other offerings in the market?

Disability Management

CloudMD’s disability management program uses a medical, evidence-based, functional model powered by our proprietary case management software system. The system is customized to each client’s needs for absence reporting, claims management history, and detailed reporting. Most importantly, it captures data in real time, leading to a faster decisions and support for those who are in need.

The system is administered by bilingual medical professionals (nurses and physicians) and focuses on abilities rather than disabilities, which results in more rapid access to medical information and accommodation. During an absence, a disability Nurse Case Manager ensures the employee receives proper, timely medical treatment to ensure a safe return to work. Early intervention and seamless management by a single Nurse Case Manager, who works with the employee throughout the entire process, resulting in fewer disruptions, continuous support, and fewer transitions to long-term disability.

Workers Compensation

Our workers’ compensation services are supported by our medical director and licensed paralegals with the Upper Law Society. We have a proven ability to assist in reducing costs associated with workers’ compensation claims and providing assistance for navigating the administrative functions of a claim. We support the employer and employee through the WSIB process by complying with legislation and focusing on a safe return-to-work plan. Our experienced team also helps to keep clients up to date on any recent changes in legislative compliance requirements.

Assessments Program

CloudMD has developed a network of over 3,000 assessors in various disciplines across Canada, enabling us to secure timely assessments in all medical disciplines. Our advanced system (iAssess) is a secure online platform for document submission and communication with automated workflows to streamline processes and allow us to handle large volumes of referrals efficiently. We continuously improve our strategies and processes to adapt and optimize workflows based on client feedback and data analysis.

Q2: How do you ensure that you have the right teams and processes to successfully support an employee’s return to work?

We pride ourselves on having an experienced team of medical professionals with experience across a wide range of industries. Our nurses and physicians are trained on each account to ensure they understand each employer’s culture, policies, processes, and specific industry concerns. In addition, we also have our clinical team who outline a detailed step-by-step process for reintegrating employees after an illness, injury, or leave, ensuring these policies are adaptable to individual needs.

Simply put, we ensure that the right teams and processes are in place to support each employee’s return to work with a robust strategic and holistic approach that addresses health, safety, and clear communication with all parties involved, including employees, employers, HR, and union (if applicable). We have a very transparent communication process that informs employers and employees about return-to-work plans well in advance, and we provide clear guidance on any new protocols, safety measures, and support systems in place, if applicable. Our team also provides frequent updates and follow-ups to ensure employees and employers feel confident about the return-to-work plan.

Q3: How do these programs contribute to reducing costs and improving client productivity?

These CloudMD services reduce costs and improve client productivity by addressing preventative services and case management, including access to quick medical assessments and wellness strategies and recommendations. For instance, CloudMD’s disability program provides employees with a high level of assistance to promote recovery and return to work. We average a 20-25% reduction in costs primarily by understanding the employee’s medical condition or the nature of the illness, the treatment plan, and the prognosis to support and accommodate employees based on the restrictions and limitations needed. In addition, our virtual health solutions reduce the need for in-person physician visits, saving both time and cost for employees and employers.

To mitigate significant financial hardship due to unanticipated illness or injury, we do a full assessment at the beginning of the absence or injury that focuses on the person as a whole, which helps pinpoint the root causes of the absences, compliance with the treatment plan, and the proper support at the right time. If an employee is absent from work, getting help immediately can speed up recovery time. It also helps prevent the absence from turning into a long-term disability claim. As a result, employers see reduced financial costs and increased productivity and morale, while employees remain current in their field, experience speedy rehabilitation, and return to a productive lifestyle.

At the end of the day, based on our experience, employees who feel their employer prioritizes their well-being will foster a more engaged, healthier, and productive workforce, leading to long-term cost savings and outstanding operational efficiency for employers.

Q4: What has been the most rewarding aspect of leading these employer services at CloudMD?

My interest has always been in helping others. I am passionate about servitude and making an impact in individuals’ lives. The most rewarding aspect for me has been the ability to positively impact employees and employers by promoting a healthier workplace, reducing absenteeism, improving morale, and ensuring employees feel supported through their time of illness or injury. I believe the work we do enhances individuals’ lives personally and professionally by allowing them to quickly access medical services that will prevent complications and improve their overall well-being. It is also rewarding to see current employers referring us to other organizations because of the outstanding work we provide and the difference we make for them and their employees.

Q5: How do you think workplace needs regarding health and wellness support are evolving?

Workplace needs related to health and wellness are evolving significantly due to several factors, including the shift from office to hybrid work, a significant focus on mental health, and the severe impact of COVID-19. Now more than ever, it’s imperative for organizations to recognize the importance of mental health and promote proper resources such as EAP, counselling, stress management programs, and training for all their employees.

In addition, organizations must be flexible in accommodating employees to work from home based on medical evidence and objective findings to assist in expediting their recovery, not just based on subjective evidence and preferences to work remotely. An organization’s flexibility can reduce burnout, improve work-life balance, and increase productivity. Organizations need to focus on work-life integration to promote overall well-being. Initiatives might include flexible hours, time-off policies, and mental health days.

Finally, I believe organizations should implement preventative integrated health services and care, like the ones that CloudMD provides, which include quick access to medical professionals, telemedicine, and online resources.  These tools allow employees to take a proactive approach to their well-being, which in turn will reduce long-term health costs and absenteeism.