A Law Firm Advocating For Your Medical Benefits
Medical benefits are perhaps the most straightforward of the benefits available in a work comp case. Your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, your injury claim has been accepted and your medical care should be covered if you are being treated for the work-related injury.
At its best, this is how the system does work. But because insurance companies are looking after their own bottom line, getting a medical bill paid or treatment authorized by the insurer often involves frustrating delays or denials. This is one of the many reasons why you should consider hiring a workers’ compensation attorney. At Bradt Law Offices, we take on the bureaucratic battles — large and small — so that you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
What Is Covered? Care Must Be ‘Reasonable And Necessary.’
There is a very long list of medical care and treatment covered by Minnesota’s work comp laws. Every case and every injury is different, but if the care is considered “reasonable and necessary,” the insurance company will be responsible for things such as:
- Doctor visits and hospital stays
- Medication
- Surgery
- Physical therapy and chiropractor visits
- Mental health care
- Certain medical equipment
- X-Rays, MRIs, CT scans and other tests
The work comp insurer is also responsible to reimburse you for your medical travel mileage and related expenses.
Duration Of Care And Differences Of Medical Opinion
With some exceptions, you are generally allowed to choose your treating physician. This is beneficial for many reasons, including the fact that you should be working with a doctor you trust and feel comfortable with. Unfortunately, your physician’s word may not be the final say in all circumstances.
The workers’ compensation insurance company can require you to participate in an independent medical examination (IME). The insurer chooses the doctor and schedules the appointment. That doctor’s assessment often provides the basis for the insurer’s determination whether to continue wage loss or medical coverage on your claim.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can guide you through a frustrating and confusing system to reduce your stress and give you the best chance at recovering the benefits to which you are entitled after an injury.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Lawyer — Contact Us Today
Bradt Law Offices is located in Grand Rapids, and we serve injured workers throughout Northern Minnesota. To discuss your workers’ compensation case with an attorney who has more than 35 years of experience, call us at 218-327-1235 or send us an email.