A workplace injury can bring medical bills, lost income and stress. Indiana workers’ compensation can help cover medical care for work-related injuries. Understanding which medical expenses workers’ compensation covers can help you make informed decisions about treatment.
Does workers’ comp pay for initial treatment?
Indiana workers’ compensation generally covers necessary medical treatment and related services for a compensable work injury. This care can include emergency room visits, doctor appointments, X-rays, scans and other tests.
Indiana generally allows the employer or its workers’ compensation insurer to direct your medical care. If you choose a different doctor without approval, you may have to pay for that treatment yourself.
What ongoing care does coverage include?
Workers’ compensation may cover follow-up visits, physical therapy and prescription medications. Your treatment generally must be related to your work injury and otherwise covered under Indiana workers’ compensation rules.
Your doctor may recommend continued treatment if your injury requires it. Treatment may continue until you reach maximum medical improvement. At that point, your doctor believes your condition has stabilized and is not expected to improve further with additional treatment.
An insurance company may challenge certain treatments or medical services. It may also question the need for a particular medical service or additional physical therapy. Your medical records can help show why you need continued care.
Does workers’ comp cover surgery and rehabilitation?
Workers’ compensation may cover surgery when your doctor considers it necessary for your work injury. Benefits may also cover hospital care, anesthesia and follow-up treatment.
Rehabilitation can also play an important role in recovery. Physical therapy and other rehabilitation services can help you regain strength and movement. They may also help you return to work.
Serious injuries may require months of care or more than one procedure. Your doctor can explain what treatment you need and why.
What to do if medical treatment is denied
Indiana generally requires workers’ compensation to provide necessary medical care for compensable work injuries, but the employer or insurer generally directs that care. If requested treatment is denied or you believe the medical care being provided is inadequate, you may have options for challenging the decision through the Indiana Workers’ Compensation Board. Consider speaking with an Indiana workers’ compensation attorney if you need help evaluating a disputed medical benefit.