What kinds of medical care does workers’ compensation pay for?
Your employer is required to pay for all medical care that is reasonably related to the injury and scientifically proven to treat that injury.
When it comes to medical care required to treat a medical injury, California workers’ compensation coverage should pay for all expenses that are reasonably required to cure or relieve you from the effects of your injury. The types of treatment covered specifically include all of the following:
- Medical
- Surgical
- Chiropractic
- Acupuncture
- Hospital treatment
- Nursing
- Medicines
- Medical and surgical supplies
- Crutches
- Apparatuses
- Orthotic and prosthetic devices and services
The precise treatment that is used must be scientifically proven to treat the injury. To meet this standard, doctors must follow the guidelines published by the Division of Workers’ Compensation called the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS), which incorporates evidence-based, peer-reviewed, nationally recognized standards of care. If recommending treatment outside the MTUS, the physician should reference national guidelines that are comparable to the MTUS.
Medical benefits last as long as they are needed
Coverage for medical care is not limited to a certain number of weeks like workers’ comp wage replacement disability benefits are. Instead, medical treatment for the injury should be covered for as long as treatment is needed. An exception is for physical therapy, occupational therapy, or chiropractic treatment. If you receive any of these forms of treatment, your employer is only required to pay for up to 24 appointments in each category.
Translators can be provided and paid for
If you cannot effectively communicate with your treating physician due to limited English proficiency, you are entitled to the services of a qualified interpreter during your appointments. This service should be paid for by your employer or their insurance carrier at your request.
Home health care is covered in limited situations
Workers’ compensation covers home health care services if they are reasonably required to cure or relieve you from the effects of your injury. Home health care services must be prescribed by a licensed physician, and the employer is not liable for services provided more than 14 days before the employer receives the physician’s prescription.
Get the medical care you need after a workplace injury
You might have a lot to worry about after getting hurt on the job; paying for doctor and hospital bills shouldn’t be one of them. Workers’ compensation pays for you to get the medical care you need. If you are having trouble getting your care paid for or if the insurance carrier is arguing with you over what type of treatment is appropriate, get an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer on your side who knows the law and can fight to see you get the medical care you need.
