Medical care is a critical component that influences your worker’s compensation benefits. Patients need to work closely with the doctor in charge of their work injury because they are responsible for determining the degree of their injury and when they can get back to work. The trick is to find a qualified doctor who will not only treat your injury but advocate on your behalf. Before receiving treatment, you should consult with your doctor to determine their willingness to help you in your East Brunswick worker’s compensation claim. If you have problems finding the correct physician, ask your worker’s compensation attorney for recommendations.
The significance of a treating physician in your worker’s compensation case
One of the most critical opinions that will determine the success of your worker’s compensation case comes from your treating physician. Your treating doctor comprehends the severity of your injury and monitors your condition closely to determine recovery time. Moreover, your treating doctor understands your need for medication and any physical limitations that result from the injury.
Your treating physician’s opinion carries a lot of weight when determining your benefits because of the critical decision they have to make, which directly affects your recovery. For example:
Diagnosing and treating your condition
Before your doctor decides the treatment approach that is ideal for your injury, you will need to undergo various diagnostic tests that will determine the severity of your injury, which will help your doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan. Your doctor will analyze your condition to determine the need for physical therapy or medication.
Referrals
In most cases, the doctor in charge will refer you to a specialist to provide the necessary treatment. For example, you may need a specialized surgeon to operate on the injury site. Although referrals are essential, your treating physician should be responsible for you. Thus, you should work closely with the referred specialist and check on your progress often to ensure treatment is working.
Deciding your work restrictions
When you go back to work, it is essential to take things easy, not to injure yourself further. Your treating physician will analyze your recovery and determine when you can resume work and whether you will need more time off work to recover fully. Temporary disability benefits are essential for workers who cannot resume work immediately after an injury, and their doctors can help them receive these partial wage benefits.
Evaluate whether you have permanent limitations
Your treating doctor should monitor your recovery and determine when you reach maximum medical improvement. If you get permanent limitations, your doctor should advocate on your behalf to ensure that you receive the necessary benefits.
Evidence provision
Medical records are valuable evidence in your worker’s compensation case. It would be best for your doctor to consistently keep accurate documentation of the entire process from the time you got the injury, treatment, and recovery. This information can help solve issues with your insurance company.
The best way to get the most out of your worker’s compensation case is to select an appropriate doctor to provide unbiased and high-quality care. Proper care will not only hoist your recovery but ensure you get the necessary benefits from your worker’s compensation claim. Contact Mid Atlantic Orthopedic Associates, LLP to choose a treating physician that will help you throughout your worker’s compensation case and ensure you get what you deserve.
