If you are injured at work, you need to know your workers compensation rights: what to expect at the industrial medical clinic. Your employer is required to send you for medical treatment and pay for it. This usually means a visit to the industrial medical clinic. However, many employees do not know that they have the right to seek treatment from other doctors within their employer's Medical Provider Network (MPN). In this article, we will discuss what to expect at the clinic and how to get permission to see a new doctor if you are unhappy with your care.
Arrival at the Industrial Medical Clinic for Workers' Compensation Treatment
Contacting a Workers' Comp Lawyer for Help
When you arrive at the industrial medical clinic, you will likely be seen by a nurse. The nurse will ask about your injury and how it occurred. He or she will also ask for your insurance information and contact information. After that, you may see a doctor. If more than first aid is required, the doctor may send you for further treatment. This could include x-rays, MRI, or CT scan. The doctor will also likely prescribe medication for your pain.
When you go to the industrial medical clinic, you can expect to receive treatment for your work-related injury. The clinic will likely provide you with a variety of services, including:
- Medical evaluation and treatment
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Prescriptions
- Referrals to other specialists, as needed
In most cases, the clinic will be your primary source of care for your work-related injury. However, you do have the right to seek treatment from other doctors within your employer's MPN. If you are not happy with the care that you receive at the clinic, talk to your employer about seeing a different doctor.
Workers' Compensation Benefits Depending on Your Primary Doctor
Workers Compensation Rights: What to Expect at the Industrial Medical Clinic
The Primary Treating Physician (PTP) is the doctor who reports your restrictions to your employer that take you off of work, which in turn gets you paid temporary disability benefits. Your PTP also prescribes treatments and asks the insurance company for authorization. If your PTP is not operating well or in the best interest of your health, then you should consider switching treating physicians.
Workers' compensation insurance is a form of coverage that protects employees who are hurt or sickened at work due to an accident. Workers' compensation insurance is required in all states, including California. Medical costs, income replacement, and death benefits are among the perks available through this coverage. If you want to access more of these advantages, you'll need to learn how to navigate through the industrial clinic and MPN.
What to Do If You Are Not Happy with Your Workers' Compensation Treatment
Arrival at the Industrial Medical Clinic for Workers' Compensation Treatment
When you first start your claim, the industrial medical clinic is your primary treating physician. If you are unhappy with the care you receive at the industrial medical clinic, you may be able to see a doctor outside of the clinic. However, this can be tricky because your employer is not required to pay for treatment outside of the Medical Provider Network. In order to see a new doctor, you will need permission from your employer.
Making contact with your workers' compensation insurance adjuster is important. He or she may be able to help you find a new doctor within the Medical Provider Network that can better meet your needs. You should also receive a packet of materials from the adjuster including a link to a list of doctors who you are allowed to select.
Once you make a selection, you should contact your adjuster and let them know to send authorization to the doctor's office for treatment. Be sure to call the doctor office beforehand to ensure they will accept you as a patient before asking the adjuster to authorize treatment with the facility. Sometimes doctors do not take certain types of injuries or refuse to treat old ones. Other times, doctors are busy and are not accepting new patients. This is especially prevalent in current times of pandemic.
Contacting a Workers' Comp Lawyer for Help
When you are injured at work, it's important to know your rights. Most injured workers end up at the industrial medical clinic. The clinic sees patients with work-related injuries and can provide temporary disability benefits and other Workers' Compensation Benefits depending on your Primary Doctor. If you are not happy with the care you're receiving at the industrial medical clinic, you may be able to see a doctor outside of the clinic with permission from your employer. However, this can be tricky because your employer is not required to pay for treatment outside of the Medical Provider Network. If you have any questions about your workers' compensation rights, don't hesitate to contact an attorney.
If you have any questions about Workers Compensation Rights: What to Expect at the Industrial Medical Clinic, don't hesitate to contact an attorney. Workers' compensation law is complex, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the system and get the benefits you deserve. Workers' compensation lawyers typically work on a contingency basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. All initial consultations are free, so it doesn't cost anything to at least speak with an attorney to learn more about your rights.
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