Getting The Medical Care You Need For Your Workplace Injury
For those hurt at work, getting well enough to go on with your life and get back to work is the goal. You can expect your employer's insurance carrier to provide you with some great benefits to help you achieve that goal, and one of those benefits is medical care. To get your medical care paid for, you must follow the rules of the workers' comp carrier. Read on to learn more about this process.
Is treatment free of charge?
Your medical treatment is one of the most valuable parts of workers' comp benefits, and you should never have to pay anything for it as long as the treatment is directly related to your work injury. The most important aspect of getting free medical care is to ensure that a workers' comp claim is filed since failing to do so means you could be on the hook for that expensive trip to the emergency room and the treatment that followed.
Should you seek treatment?
Another issue to keep in mind the is the need for medical treatment in the first place. If your injury is minor, you may not need any medical treatment, and in that case, you should not bother with filing a workers' comp claim. You can only get benefits by seeking treatment; however, do so as soon as possible after your injury and keep good records of your treatment. Failing to go to the doctor promptly could make it appear that your injury is not serious enough to for benefits.
Who should you see?
Since workers' comp is a state-run program, consult with your supervisor before you head to the doctor. In an emergency, go to the closest emergency room and contact your supervisor later. For your care after the initial injury you may have to use a specific workers' comp doctor, but in some cases you are allowed to choose your own physician.
What else do you need to know about your workers' comp doctor?
This doctor may end up being your biggest advocate for care during your recuperation period, so develop a good relationship, maintain good communications, follow all treatment suggestions, and be honest about how the injury is affecting your life. Your doctor will play a part in the determination of whether or not you have a permanent injury.
The doctor will develop a treatment plan that may encompass diagnostic tests, like X-rays and other tests, medication management, surgery, and physical therapy. You won't be able to return to work until the doctor gives an okay. In some cases, the doctor might order you to do only part-time or light-duty work.
If you have hit a snag with your workers' comp benefits, speak to an attorney like Annunziata Albert.
Share