In Georgia, worker’s compensation covers various medical treatments for work injuries or occupational illnesses. The goal is to ensure injured workers receive the necessary medical care to recover from injuries and return to work.
However, in some instances, your workers’ compensation claim can be contested or denied, or you may face challenges when completing your form or receive less than what you deserve for your injuries. In such cases, you should find a lawyer to guide you through the workers’ compensation system and ensure that your rights are protected.
A workers’ compensation lawyer will give you a fighting chance at maximizing your compensation. Here is what you should know regarding medical treatment provided by workers’ compensation in Georgia.
Doctor Visits & Hospitalization
Workers’ compensation covers visits to authorized treating physicians. The employer or workers’ compensation insurance carrier often selects these physicians. It’s important to seek treatment from an authorized physician to ensure workers’ compensation covers the costs.
Sometimes, a work-related injury or illness will require hospitalization, and workers’ compensation covers the general costs of the hospital stay, including medical procedures, surgeries, medications, and other necessary treatments.
Diagnostic Tests & Medications
Workers ‘ compensation covers diagnostic tests such as X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, blood tests, and other procedures to assess the extent of an injury or illness.
The cost of prescribed medications related to the work injury or illness includes short and long-term medications and prescriptions for ongoing treatment.
Rehabilitation Services & Assistive Devices
In some cases, workers’ compensation covers rehabilitation services, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of therapy to restore function, improve mobility, and facilitate the injured worker’s recovery and return to work.
However, some injured workers might require assistive devices like crutches, wheelchairs, prosthetics, or orthotics, which aren’t cheap. Fortunately, workers’ compensation in Georgia also covers the costs of such items. The coverage may also go even further, covering the repair or replacement costs of those devices.
Travel Expenses
Workers’ compensation in Georgia may also cover necessary travel expenses associated with medical treatment. This includes mileage reimbursement for traveling to and from medical appointments and, in some cases, lodging expenses if the treatment facility is located far from the worker’s residence.
Limitations and Requirements
Even though workers’ compensation in Georgia offers coverage for various medical treatments, it is still subject to certain limitations and requirements. Treatment must be deemed reasonable and necessary for the work-related illness or injury, and the injured worker must follow the authorized treatment plan.
Additionally, workers’ compensation may have a list of authorized medical providers, and treatment obtained from unauthorized providers may not be covered. In some instances, disputes, denials, and other challenges might hinder an injured worker’s right to compensation. To ensure that you receive all the benefits, protections, and fair compensation in your workers’ compensation claim, you should consult an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
They can guide you through the legal process and help you complete the forms. Contact a reliable attorney specializing in workers’ compensation claims to ensure that your rights are protected and that the medical treatment you receive is covered under Georgia law.
Also Read: 6 Stages of Your Medical Malpractice Lawsuit
