If your employer provides workers’ compensation, you are probably wondering about the extent of coverage. If you’ve been injured at work, you may be wondering if workers’ compensation will cover the cost of physical therapy. Under some circumstances, you are entitled to compensation for physical therapy, such as if it is necessary to help you recover from your work-related injury.
Physical Therapy Under Workers’ Comp
Workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect the needs of injured workers. The objective of workers’ compensation is to provide protection for employees who have been injured on the job against loss of wages and medical expenses.
Workers’ compensation laws differ by state. Under workman’s compensation laws in the state of Texas for those who have opted to provide this to their employees, the employer is required to shoulder the costs of physical therapy if the treatment is associated with a work-related injury. What this means is that if the doctor overseeing your treatment recommends physical therapy, then by law, it has to be paid for by your employer.
Physical therapy is a form of medical treatment for musculoskeletal pain and injuries, and is a reasonably necessary treatment usually covered by workman’s comp, along with income benefits, impaired income benefits, supplemental income benefits, and lifetime income benefits. Once you have reached maximum medical improvement (MMI) as assessed and reported by your provider, coverage for treatment will cease.
How and When Do I Receive Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Employers who provide workers’ compensation select a private insurance carrier for their workers’ comp insurance or choose to self-insure and pay costs themselves. It may come from the state fund if the employer provides services on behalf of the government.
Not all doctors in Texas treat workers’ compensation patients, and you must see an approved doctor in order to file a claim. If you have been hurt on the job, you need to inform your employer immediately and learn whether your employer uses in-network doctors or not. Next, you should see a physician immediately after your injury.
Payouts usually begin after approval of your claim and are paid weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly for medical bills, physical therapy expenses, and lost wages.
Workers Comp Physical Therapy Services in Austin, TX
Endeavor Physical Therapy is an outpatient physical therapy clinic that provides physical therapy interventions to patients who have sustained work-related injuries.
Our providers are highly experienced in treating workers’ comp patients and design our treatment programs to relieve symptoms and speed up healing, so that you can get back to your job. We have licensed physical therapists and hand therapists on staff. With our experience, we can guide you and help you focus on your recovery. We will even communicate with your employer and submit progress reports.
We have offices in Austin, Round Rock, Manor, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Hutto. You can request an appointment by clicking here or by calling our main office in Austin at (512) 213-1092.
