Getting The Medical Care You Need
If you are injured at work, it is important to report your injuries to your employer immediately and to seek medical treatment. The state of Ohio provides workers’ compensation insurance through a state insurance fund (unless the employer chooses to self-insure). Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation about the options that injured workers have regarding their choice of medical providers following a workplace injury. The Law Offices of Charles W. Kranstuber, LPA, in Columbus, works closely with injured workers to ensure their rights are protected and they recover full compensation for their work-related injuries.
Injured workers can be treated by any medical provider of their choosing as long as the medical provider is certified by the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC). Your family doctor may not treat work-related injuries because he or she does not want to deal with the BWC claims process. In that case, your doctor may recommend a physician, or we work closely with a network of highly regarded BWC-certified physicians and medical specialists who can treat you.
Your Employer May Request An Independent Medical Exam
Your employer and the BWC have rights regarding your treatment as well, including the right to have you receive an independent medical examination (IME) by a doctor of its choice. An employer or the BWC may question the extent of your injury or whether it is work-related. An independent exam also may be requested to determine whether treatment that has been requested is medically necessary.
You should be completely honest with your medical providers as well as any medical providers you see for an IME. Give your medical providers as much information as possible about your pain and your limitations.
You also have the right to change medical providers if you disagree with the diagnosis you received or the treatment recommended. This requires completing additional forms, and it is a different process if your employer is self-insured.
It Makes Sense To Work With An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
As you can see, ensuring that you receive proper medical care following a workplace injury can be a tricky proposition. It is a smart decision to work with a knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the process. Our thorough understanding of Ohio workers’ compensation laws helps us build the strongest case possible for your claim.
We invite you to use our online contact form or call us at 614-255-6134 to schedule a free consultation. We can review your case and provide a candid assessment of what you might expect. Remember, you only pay an attorney fee if we obtain a recovery for you.