Ask Me Help Desk - Workmans comp insurance!

Hello,

I hurt my back at work a month ago, when I saw my primary Doctor he told me that he couldn't help me because it was job related. I am now on workmans comp, placed on light duty, and wasn't given much time off at home to heal I am currently on medications and taking physical therapy.

I am not happy with workmans comp MPN Doctros and workmans comp request for all of my past medical records medical records. I've worked at the SFO UAL maintenance base for 18 years and had very few lost time injuries.

I am open to any advise.

Thank you,

Philly

Quote:

Originally Posted by philly4458

Hello,

I hurt my back at work a month ago, when I saw my primary Doctor he told me that he couldn't help me because it was job related. I am now on workmans comp, placed on light duty, and wasn't given much time off at home to heal I am currently on medications and taking physical therapy.

I am not happy with workmans comp MPN Doctros and workmans comp request for all of my past medical records medical records. I've worked at the SFO UAL maintenance base for 18 years and had very few lost time injuries.

Unfortunately, delving into prior medical history is standard when it comes to worker's comp claims (same goes for auto injury claims). The reason is, they have to validate medical payments for THIS particular injury. They want to know what your loss history is. So if you were in 3 car accidents in the past year that may come into play when determining your losses and character. They have to do this because the reality is that many people try to take advantage of worker's comp. It's basically them covering all bases. Although probably not what you want to hear, it seems as your company is following normal procedures. You have the right to receive medical care until you are able to resume your life (as much as possible) prior to this incident and you say you're going to physical therapy and taking medications as a result of the injury. When possible, they are required to offer you a "light duty" position while you recover. This helps to mitigate their losses. I hope this helps some, if not, let us know specifically what you want advice about.

Yes, the other doctors will, and the workers company claims department will review any and all of your medical records, once you file a workers claim they can review them without any further consent from you.
This is just normal procedures with almost any workers comp company.
Next depends on your state, in many states the company is allowed to require you to see doctors on their list, if you do not like the first doctor, you can request another doctor from the workers comp company.

And you can see your own doctor along with thiers but you will have to pay the price of your own doctor out of your own pocket, If you believe you are not being treated properly, you can ask your doctor to review your treatment.

Light duty work is normal among larger companies, they do this so you are not sitting at home drawing the paycheck but at least coming to work doing something.

I am assuming you thought you were going to sit at home until you were completely better, no this is not how most workers comp works at least anymore in most states. Esp in larger companies where they even take classes in learning how to reduce workers comp costs,
Some even have companies that review what the doctors are doing to see what they do and do not have to pay for and do.

Mr. Fr-Chuck,

To answer your question honestly no, I didn't expect to stay home and collect a check. I have been working at SFO maintenance base for 18 years and have a good track record. It was just the first week I drove 40 miles to work that I could barely walk from the parking lot 200 yards to the building where I work. I wouldn't dare take narcotics 4 to 6 hours before driving to work.

You and the other commentor are right, their have been so many people who try and scam the system, unfortunely they are the very ones who get by with it. I'm just glad that I will be gettting a MRI this week.

Thank you for the advise, I have since changed Doctors nearest my home and the best thing that I did was to reject the first Doctors advise for a steroid injection, my new Doctor said he'd leave that up to the specialist to do after my MRI, so it pays to ask questions not all Doctors are alike.

I just wanted other peoples comments who are on workmans comp.

Thank you,

Philly

Oh yes, my youngest son would be dead today if we had listened to his first doctor, on anything of any serious nature I always get a second opinion.

You also need to have the WC to consider your drive, if your medication makes it impossible to drive, they have to either make an accomidation for that drive ( or should have to )