The Benefits of Medical Care

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The Benefits of Medical Care

Good medical care is important -- and quality medical treatment is the quickest way to recovery.

Benefits include not only payment of doctor's bills, but also prescriptions, hospital costs, fees for lab tests, x-rays and even travel expenses. There is no deductible, so you should never see a bill.

If you become injured at work, GET MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY. Most UC locations have on-site medical facilities to provide you with emergency medical treament and follow-up care. If you have a special medical problem, you may be referred to a local medical specialist, who has expert knowledge of your specific injury. In addition, the doctor will be familiar with workers' compensation requirements and will report promptly so your benefits are not delayed.

If you want to change doctors for any reason, ask the LLNL Workers' Compensation Office or contact Octagon Risk Services who will provide you with a choice of other doctors.

You're entitled to be treated by your own personal physician if you've notified the University of the doctor's name and address in writing before the injury. (Your personal physician is one who has treated you in the past and maintains your medical records.) Contact LLNL Workers' Compensation Office for details on pre-injury physician designation.

If you haven't pre-designated a physician prior to the injury, you can switch to your own doctor after the employer's medical control expires. This can range from 30 days to up to a year after reporting the injury, so check with Professional Risk Managment. You should report your choice as soon as you make it so that your bills can be properly considered for payment.

Above all, don't treat yourself. Even minor injuries need expert care. Prompt, quality medical treatment is the best investment you and your employer can make.

Learn more about your legal rights, contact a Worker's Compensation Lawyer near you now.