Work injuries happen frequently across industries, no matter how careful employers and employees are to maintain a safe work environment. Accidents are inevitable, and it is important for employers to have a workers compensation policy to help with medical costs in case an employee is injured on the job.
However, there are certain limitations and requirements when it comes to employees filing a workers compensation claim. Firstly, the injury must occur at work or while the employee is performing job-related duties. Injuries that happen while an employee is off the clock may not be covered under workers compensation insurance.
Another restriction is the doctor an employee may use.
When you file a workers compensation claim through your insurer, you will be expected to receive medical attention within a certain amount of time. Usually this is within at least thirty days after the accident. You may not be able to go to just any doctor, however. Workers compensation policies typically come with a list of approved healthcare providers. An injured employee must go to one of these healthcare providers for their initial medical care after the work-related accident.
Going to a healthcare provider that is not approved by the insurer can mean that your workers compensation claim could be denied. You don’t always have to stay with the initial healthcare provider, however.
For example, say you are injured at work. Your employer sends you to an approved clinic for a medical exam. You receive treatment and medication. After that initial visit, you may have the option to request that you seek any further treatment for your injury at your personal healthcare provider. Not all healthcare providers are covered, so be sure to ask your employer for a list of approved healthcare providers under their workers compensation policy.
So long as you need to receive medical assistance for your work-related injury, workers compensation should help you with medical expenses as they arise. Be sure to speak with your employer about the limits and approved healthcare providers on their workers compensation policy. It is important to get medical assistance as soon as you are injured, but it is also important to make sure you are comfortable. Your personal healthcare provider generally knows you better than a new doctor will, so there is no harm in checking to see if your doctor is covered for work accidents.
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