If you are injured on the job in Illinois or anywhere in the country, you must file for workers’ compensation. Workers’ compensation is essential for paying your medical bills and providing for your daily needs until you can recover enough to work again. The doctor that you choose to see for your injury can impact your workers’ compensation claim, hence the reason it matters what doctor you choose.
What is a workers’ compensation doctor?
A workers’ compensation doctor is merely the doctor you consult when you are injured at work. The doctor can either be a general practitioner or a doctor specializing in workplace injuries.
An exam for worker’s compensation is like any other office visit. During this appointment, the doctor will thoroughly examine you and ask specific questions about the incident that occurred when you were injured and what you did after the injury. You will also need to answer questions about past injuries you had, your medical history and your current medications. Additionally, you will be referred for diagnostic testing, such as X-rays and imaging, and you may be required to see specialists for further consultation and treatment.
Why the doctor you see matters
The doctor treating you will submit your medical records to the insurance company and provide evidence to support their assertions about your injuries. What the doctor writes in these documents can impact how much workers’ compensation you receive, as well as if you are approved. Because not all doctors are equally skilled, do your research before choosing a doctor. You can check sites like Yelp, Google Reviews, and Facebook Reviews to see what others say about each doctor.
Seeking prompt treatment after a workplace injury is paramount because you will need this documentation for your claim, and you will heal better if you do not allow problems to go unchecked. In addition to getting prompt treatment, you must report the incident to your employer as soon as possible, as this is part of the claims process.