Going To The Doctor

When you’ve been hurt on the job, seeking medical treatment is essential, both to receive the care you need to recover, and also to document the extent of your injuries for the workers’ compensation process.

What You Should Know About Medical Treatment

• See a doctor immediately, even if you don’t think the injury is very serious. Unattended medical problems tend to get worse. Also, it’s good to have early documentation of your injury or illness.
• In general, you choose the doctor. If you have an emergency at work, your employer may make the initial arrangements for your health and safety. After the emergency has passed, or if there was never an acute emergency, you have the right in Wisconsin to choose your own doctor. You can also see a second doctor of your choosing if you are dissatisfied with your first doctor. Note that referrals do not count as your second choice of doctor, so you can see one doctor and referrals from that doctor, and also go to a second doctor and the second doctor’s referrals if you are dissatisfied with the first doctor or the first doctor’s referrals. If you see a third doctor, you must do so with the agreement of your employer and insurance carrier. If your employer or insurance carrier submits a written request for you to attend their “Independent Medical Exam”, you must go.
• You are in charge of your own treatment. Doctors and hospitals may not perform any procedure without your ok, if you think it’s not helping or making your condition worse.
• Your employer is required to honor your doctor’s restrictions. If the doctor says no heavy lifting, you should be exempted from that kind of work.
• No deductibles. You should not have to pay any deductibles or out-of-pocket expenses whatsoever relating to your medical treatment. Your reimbursement will include prescriptions, physical or occupational therapy, diagnostic testing, office visits, surgery and psychological therapy if appropriate.
• Mileage is reimbursable for trips to and from the doctor. The rate of reimbursement is set by the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development at $0.51 per mile.

Talk To Your Friends First. Then Give Us A Call.

If you don’t know us, ask your friends and colleagues about us. We have great relationships with many qualified area doctors and providers. We can put you in touch with one of them. Our lawyers have likely helped someone you know get back on his or her feet following a work injury. It would be our honor to help you, too.

Call us at 715-318-2743 or toll-free at 888-896-6174, or email our Eau Claire office to set up your free initial consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys.