What is a workers’ compensation physician?
You should schedule an appointment with a workers’ compensation physician when you sustain an injury at work and need to file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer.
Workers’ compensation physicians are asked to perform an independent medical examination (IME) whenever a workers’ compensation claim is made.
While it’s up to you to schedule an IME, most insurance companies will ask you to complete one before considering your claim.
The state determines workers’ compensation regulations, and you may need to choose a doctor approved by your employer or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
What issues does workers’ compensation cover?
The most common type of issues covered under workers’ compensation are obvious injuries like machine injuries, falls, or lacerations while on the job.
Other work-related injuries covered under workers’ compensation include – but aren’t limited – to:
- Back pain and hernias from lifting heavy objects
- Carpal tunnel from repetitive use or poor ergonomics
- Eye injuries caused by airborne irritants
- Hearing loss due to exposure to loud noises
Your physician can give you a full and detailed list of issues covered under workers’ compensation. Any issues stemming from your work environment might qualify for coverage.
What if my workplace injury doesn’t seem serious?
Even if your injury doesn’t appear serious on the surface, it might lead to a more complicated medical issue down the line if left unaddressed.
Your physician recommends you report your injury to your employer as soon as possible so you can begin the medical processes of diagnosis and treatment. While your employer chooses the practice where you get your initial assessment, you decide where you go from there.
You should report any work-related injury. Failure to do so promptly may make all the difference between receiving workers’ compensation and being responsible for it yourself.
If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, your physician and the team at Industrial Medical Group of Santa Maria Valley can help you get the care you need and the benefits you deserve. To schedule an appointment, call the office or request an appointment online today.
