When Should You Call a Worker's Compensation Doctor?

When Should You Call a Worker's Compensation Doctor?

There are certain circumstances in which you'll need to contact a workers comp doctor. As someone who regularly handles worker's compensation claims, I often advise my clients on when they should call a doctor regarding their work injury.

A work-related injury can be difficult to deal with. As an employee, you want to get proper treatment right away so you can return to work as soon as possible. However, you also have certain responsibilities regarding reporting your injury and seeing an authorized workers comp physician.

Report any work injury immediately to your employer

As soon as you sustain an injury at work, notify your employer right away. Reporting the injury promptly is important for several reasons:

•Your employer needs to have a record of the incident in case you need to file a workers comp claim. They can verify the details with any witnesses or on security cameras if available.

•Some states require that employees report injuries within a specific timeframe to be eligible for workers comp benefits. In Arizona, for example, you have 30 days to notify your employer about an injury to qualify for coverage.

•Seeing a doctor quickly, especially for severe injuries like broken bones, wounds, or head injuries is critical for proper diagnosis and treatment. Your employer will direct you to an approved physician in their worker's compensation insurance network.

•The details of how your injury occurred will be freshest in your mind right after the incident. Provide as much information as possible about what led to your injury so your claim has the necessary documentation.

Consult a doctor for injuries requiring immediate medical care

Some workplace injuries require emergency medical care. In these situations, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away. Your employer's workers comp coverage should pay for any emergency treatment you receive. Some examples of injuries that call for immediate medical care include:

•Severe cuts, burns, or open wounds that won't stop bleeding.

•Broken bones or fractures that cause visible deformities or limit mobility.

•Head, neck or back injuries causing loss of consciousness, blurry vision or severe pain.

•Heart attacks, strokes or other medical emergencies that occur on the job.

After receiving emergency care, contact a worker's compensation physician for follow-up treatment and care coordination. They will determine when you are ready to return to work in a modified capacity or at full capacity.

•Chest pains, difficulty breathing or other symptoms that could indicate a heart attack or other life-threatening condition.

See a workers comp doctor for less severe injuries requiring treatment

For less severe injuries that still require medical care like sprains, strains, and minor fractures, you'll need to see an authorized physician in your employer's worker's compensation network. A work comp doctor can properly assess your injury, order any necessary tests like X-rays or MRIs, prescribe medication or physical therapy, and monitor your recovery and progression.

Some examples of injuries that call for follow-up with a worker's compensation doctor include:

•Sprains and strains of muscles, tendons, or ligaments causing pain, swelling, or limited mobility. Minor to moderate tendonitis or other repetitive stress injuries would also fall under this category.

•Minor fractures and breaks that do not require surgery or emergency care. The work comp physician can immobilize the broken bone, order tests, and monitor healing progress.

•Cuts, lacerations, or wounds requiring stitches or other minor medical procedures like debridement or drainage.

•Concussions and minor head injuries causing symptoms like dizziness, headaches, or memory issues. A work comp doctor can properly assess the severity, monitor symptoms and determine when it is safe to return to work.

In many cases, the authorized physician will coordinate with your employer regarding work restrictions or time off for recovery. They will determine when you can return to work, either in a modified capacity or at full duties. Following the recommendations of the worker's compensation doctor is important to avoid complications or delaying your return to work.

Seek second opinions or specialist care if necessary

If you do not feel you are recovering well or receiving adequate treatment from the initial worker's comp doctor, you have the right to request a second opinion from another physician in the network. Your employer and insurance carrier must pay for evaluation and treatment from additional doctors if medically reasonable and necessary.

You can also ask your primary treating physician for referrals to specialists if needed. Common referrals in workers comp injury cases include:

•Orthopedic specialists for severe sprains and strains, complex fractures, or injuries requiring surgery.

•Neurologists for head injuries, neck injuries, or back problems.

•Physical and occupational therapists to help improve mobility and coordination as well as increase strength.

•Other specialists like surgeons, chiropractors, psychologists, etc. depending on the nature of your injury.

While the worker's compensation system limits your choice of doctors to some extent, you do have options for seeking other opinions and consulting with specialist physicians for your work-related injury. Be sure to communicate with your employer and insurance carrier regarding any referrals or second opinions to ensure continued coverage of medically necessary treatment.

In summary, you should call a worker's compensation doctor in the following circumstances:

-Right away for any severe injury requiring emergency medical care.

-For less severe injuries needing evaluation and treatment within the work comp physician network.

-If you do not feel you are recovering well or require special care for your work injury.

-For follow-up care after receiving emergency treatment to monitor your condition and determine readiness to return to work.

By seeing an authorized physician promptly and following their recommendations carefully, you can receive appropriate treatment for your workplace injury and get back to your job as quickly as possible. Be sure to report any injury to your employer immediately and work closely with them and the insurance carrier regarding your worker's compensation claim and medical care.

For more information about the worker's compensation claims process in your rights and responsibilities, check out arizonaima.com.