Workman’s comp, also called worker’s compensation, is an employer-paid insurance policy to cover the costs associated with an employee who gets injured or ill on the job. Workman’s comp is a mandatory policy that state governments require and regulate. Each state’s requirements for workman’s compensation varies, so it is important to understand your state’s requirements.
How Does Workman’s Comp Work?
When an employee gets injured or ill due to their occupation or while in the workplace, there are steps that need to be taken to work through the workman’s comp process. First, the employee must notify their employer as soon as possible about the incident. After that, they must see a workman’s comp doctor to get an evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment for the illness or injury. The doctor will create a detailed report of the issue and get in touch with the workman’s comp company to report the diagnosis, treatment, and cost. The workman’s comp company will review the information provided and cover the cost of the medical care required to treat the injured or ill employee. Workman’s comp also pays for lost wages associated with the illness or injury. For instance, if an injured employee needs 2 weeks off work to heal, workman’s comp will cover the lost wages, so the employee is not unfairly kept away from their salary.
Can I See My Own Doctor For A Workman’s Comp Issue?
It is highly recommended that you visit a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of workman’s comp injuries and illnesses. While any medical doctor can treat injuries and illnesses, workman’s comp issues are unique. Not only does the doctor have to diagnose the injury or illness properly, but they also have to decipher the likely cause. They also have to understand how to maneuver through the complicated and paperwork-heavy process of workman’s comp.
As such, while your primary care doctor may be an excellent doctor to care for a plethora of health conditions, they may not be the right physician to take care of your workman’s comp illness or injury. This is why you should always see a doctor who frequently handles workman’s comp cases. Sometimes, workman’s comp insurance companies require that you visit their selected physicians in the case you get injured or ill on the job. If this doesn’t apply to you, do your research and select a reputable and experienced doctor who can guide you through the world of workman’s comp claims with ease.
Workers’ Comp and Physical Therapy Services in Austin, TX
It is important to have an excellent doctor provide you with care for your illness or injury that is incurred in your place of employment. At Endeavor Physical Therapy, our doctors have a wealth of experience with workers’ compensation claims and would love to help you work through the process, as well as get you back to optimal health as soon as possible.
To schedule a workers’ comp claim or physical therapy, call us at (833) 215-9272 or request an appointment online. We look forward to helping you get back to your healthiest and most productive self!