Workers' Comp: Medical Benefits

If you are an injured worker in Macon or elsewhere in Middle Georgia, the Mann Law Firm wants you to be aware of all medical benefits coverage available to you. You should pay attention to the following:

Georgia workers’ compensation should pay for your doctor’s bills and all reasonable medical expenses that result from your on-the-job injury. Your medical providers should base their fees on the Georgia Workers’ Compensation Medical Fee Schedule.

Medical benefits should pay for:

• Emergency care (from the nearest available provider after your work accident)
• X-rays, MRIs, CT scans and other diagnostic tests
• Hospitalization
• Surgery
• Physical therapy
• Assistive devices (such as a walker or wheelchair)
• Prescription drugs.

Also, any related mileage, meal, lodging and other expenses incurred in the course of getting medical treatment should be covered by your workers’ compensation medical benefits.

Your employer provides workers’ compensation to employees through a workers’ compensation insurance company or through self-insurance.

If you are injured on the job, you must report your injury to your employer immediately. Make sure to obtain and fill out all of the paperwork required by your company. Forward this paperwork to the appropriate office or personnel to be processed.

If you cannot complete the necessary forms, your employer or a designated fellow employee should complete them on your behalf. Be as specific as possible about the circumstances of your accident and injury. If anyone witnessed your accident, inform your employer.

The physicians and other medical professionals who treat you should document your treatment and forward their bills to the insurer/self-insurer. You should not receive a medical bill.

The insurance company handling your claim or your employer should instruct you about submitting receipts for prescription drugs and related medical expenses so you can be reimbursed. Some insurers may set up an account at a specific pharmacy for you.

You can select the physician who treats you for a work injury. However, generally speaking, the choice must be from a list of qualified doctors provided by your employer. This list must be displayed at your workplace.

If you do not like the first doctor you have chosen, you can choose a second doctor from the list. However, any more changes will require permission from your employer or your workers’ compensation insurer.

Keep in mind: If you go to a physician who is not on the list provided by your employer or if you receive unauthorized treatment, workers’ compensation will not cover your medical costs.

An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you in many ways when it comes to seeking medical benefits, including:

• Filing all required paperwork
• Representing you at a hearing if your claim is initially denied
• Handling further appeals (if necessary)
• Assisting you if payments are improperly delayed or if other problems arise.

Medical benefits are a basic right of injured employees covered by Georgia’s workers’ compensation system. If you are having any problems with obtaining these benefits, contact Mann Law Firm for a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Macon and Middle Georgia. We’ll stand up for you and your family.