If a workplace injury has you on the couch instead of on the job, you may be dealing with workers' compensation insurance. This benefit kicks in when a claim is approved and provides medical and salary benefits to hurt workers. To get the most of this benefit and to promote better healing, there are a few things about dealing with your doctor you need to know. Read on to learn more.
Your Workers' Compensation Doctor Relationship
Unlike the usual doctor/patient relationship, the doctor treating you for your workplace injury plays a unique role. Whether you are being treated by your usual doctor or a special workers' compensation doctor, they are not only in charge of your care, but they also are the ones who decide when it's time for you to return to work. Follow the below tips for better care, faster recovery, and optimization of your workers' compensation benefits.
1. Provide some context – Unless your doctor is a mind-reader (very uncommon), you must be able to communicate with them about your injury. It is not up to you to decide whether or not a symptom or issue is directly related to your workplace injury, so don't try to filter your narrative. Additionally, if you suspect that your injury is worsening, don't be hesitant to bring it up.
2. Provide some discomfort feedback – The scourge of opiate abuse has made some victims of workplace injuries hesitant about confronting their doctors about their pain and discomfort level. You should know that there are many ways of dealing with pain and your doctor needs to know when you are hurting. Pain may be expected and customary, or it could signal a new or worsening medical problem.
3. Provide accurate and honest information – Unfortunately, workers' compensation is a form of insurance that has a bad reputation for being used by scammers. Workers who exaggerate or fake injuries in an effort to wring as much compensation as possible from the insurer has created an atmosphere of distrust. When you speak to your doctor, be as factual as possible about your symptoms. To avoid the assumption of malingering, keep a pain journal where you make entries about your pain level, mobility, and the general effect of the injury on your life. Not only can this help you notate your pain, but your written record of your treatment might be useful if you decide to pursue a settlement.
Contact workers' comp lawyers at the first sign of issues with your doctor or the workers' compensation carrier.