Workers’ Compensation Doctors – How To Find The Right One For You

Reasons For Treating with a Workers’ Compensation Doctor

Talking to a worker’s compensation doctor should have top priority if you suspect or have sustained a workplace injury. These knowledgeable professionals have the training to determine if your condition is a consequence of your job duties or a sudden trauma caused by dangerous situations at your work.

Common work-related injuries that Worker’s Compensation doctors treat include conditions such as:

• Repetitive motion injuries
• Overuse traumas
• Hearing loss
• Psychological stress
• Breathing issues
• Neck Injuries
• Back Injuries
• Musculoskeletal injuries

It is possible that you developed an occupational disease related to chemicals that you use or work around while on the job. Let your doctor know about any of these substances to that information from the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) can help shed light on your health issue.

How do Worker’s Compensation Doctors Handle Pre-Existing Conditions?

At your initial visit, you need to let your doctor know about any pre-existing conditions or previous injuries that you’ve endured. Regardless of the similarity of your current health situation, honesty is always the best policy. The reason for this is that your current injury could be the cause of a more debilitating condition that has nothing to do with your prior issues.

Another reason to share this information immediately with your physician is to prevent accusations of fraud. By submitting an accurate history of your health and supporting evidence of your new injury from your doctor, you will have a better chance for approval of your worker’s compensation claim.

Helpful Ideas When Deciding On The Best Workers' Comp Doctor For Your Treatment

Injuries, whether at work, home, or auto accident-related, demand the best care you can get. Despite having to choose your New York worker’s compensation doctor from an approved list of providers, there are ways to ensure that you receive the best care.

When interviewing doctors to treat your injury, try to find out more about their:

• Ability to document and process worker’s compensation claims
• Familiarity and previous history addressing your medical issue
• Capability to process the fees associated with worker’s compensation claims
• Availability to testify or produce affidavits for your claim
• Flexible scheduling appointment availability

This process may be overwhelming or difficult to pursue if suffering from a severely debilitating injury. Consider speaking with a worker’s compensation lawyer who might recommend a reputable physician to see for care.

Legal Requirements A Workers' Comp Doctor Must Meet in New York

Another benefit of consulting with an experienced attorney is that you can receive a better explanation of the state’s regulations and rules regarding care. Most injury victims can choose their own physician if on the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board authorized list of providers.

Doctors providing care for Worker’s Compensation injuries must:

• Use the appropriate designated Worker’s Compensation forms
• Follow all Medical Treatment Guidelines (MTG) outlined by the Board
• Report all medical findings, treatments, and related information
• Accept the terms of the fees set by the Worker’s Compensation Board

Workplace injury sufferers can find authorized care providers on the website of the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board.

The New York Worker’s Compensation Independent Medical Examiner (IME)

It’s not uncommon for your company’s insurance carrier to request you have an independent medical examiner assess your injuries. This is done to verify your condition independently and that the cause is work-related.

If you undergo this process, you must be honest and give a thorough account of how you received your job injury and how it has impacted your life. You need to provide information that follows what is in your medical history and if there are any changes, make sure you explain why.

New York Worker’s Compensation Covered Fees and Costs

Generally, Worker’s Compensation covers related costs of your workplace injury regardless of how minor or severe your condition is. Some of the covered expenses could include:

• Costs of transportation to and from doctor appointments
• Prescription costs
• Medical equipment and supplies
• Secondary complications of your original injuries
• The physician office visit and surgical expenses

Sometimes, an injury results in a terminal health condition like those who have experienced longterm exposure to asbestos and later developed mesothelioma. This could mean ongoing care coverage followed by death benefits and coverage for funeral costs.

If you need assistance in finding the right workers’ compensation doctor near you, we can help. Simply call our toll-free number (800) 897-8440 today, and one of our patient advocates will be glad to help you!