Getting proper medical treatment after a workplace injury in Victorville is one of the first things you should be concerned about following the accident. You should also immediately report the incident and your injuries to your supervisor or manager. Once you have done these two things, you can file a workers’ compensation claim form to apply for benefits that cover your losses due to the work-related injury.
A workers’ compensation attorney can help you through the legal process, which includes gathering medical records that prove the extent of your injury and whether or not it truly was work-related.
Thankfully, most medical care that is reasonably necessary to treat a Victorville workplace injury is covered by workers’ compensation. These medical treatments may include:
If a medical provider gives instructions or recommendations, these instructions should be followed closely by the injured person. All documentation for anything related to the medical treatments, including bills, should be kept as evidence, and it may be used during the claim process.
There are rules and guidelines in place to determine what medical treatment is eligible to be covered by workers’ compensation. An experienced lawyer could explain these guidelines in full detail.
Employers often have a list of medical providers that are in their insurance company’s Medical Provider Network (MPN) or in the employer’s Health Care Network (HCO). These medical providers need to be approved by the California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC). If the employer does not have an MPN or HCO, then the insurance adjuster can tell the injured employee which approved medical professional they can go to for the first 30 days after the work-related injury. The employee can choose a different doctor after the 30 days are over.
Although this may sound complicated and unnecessary, understanding which Victorville medical providers can treat a workplace injury is essential.
Every medical record should be kept for the claim process, but the first medical report is key because it typically tells whether the injury was work-related or due to a pre-existing condition. The examining doctor will likely recommend when the employee can return back to work and whether the employee can perform full duties or should have lighter duties while recovering from the injury.
If the doctor schedules any follow-up appointments or procedures, these should be followed. Not following a doctor’s suggestions could lead to a denial of benefits.
If you have questions about the medical treatment that is covered under workers’ compensation, or you want to know more about which medical providers are approved, you can talk to one of our knowledgeable attorneys. We could help you better understand your situation and guide you toward the best possible outcome of your workers’ compensation claim.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation concerning medical treatment after a workplace injury in Victorville. We will listen carefully and respectfully to your situation and provide honest answers that help you make decisions.
