DENVER – Physical therapy, in many instances, can get injured workers back on the job on a fairly predictable timetable. But, experts say, physical therapy works best when the injured individual is covered by an insurance plan that includes a specific treatment regimen. Too often, a study by the Network Synergy Group suggests, that doesn't happen — and it extracts a considerable price from employers.

Network Synergy is a Tampa, Florida-based national physical therapy management company that reviewed 47,000 physical and occupational therapy claims. The big number: just 18 percent of workers' comp claims "incorporate comprehensively managed solutions for injuries requiring physical therapy and occupational therapy."

"By utilizing networks that simply employ discounts, instead of a comprehensive and coordinated physical therapy management program, U.S. employers lost about $500 million in 2013 alone," Network Synergy said in a news release distributed to coincide with the opening day of the 2014 Risk & Insurance Management Society Inc. conference.