If you’ve been injured on the job, or if you got sick while being exposed to an environmental toxin in the course of your work, you need to file a claim for workers’ compensation with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). However, you cannot take your time – you must act quickly and properly.
You may feel like staying in bed and recovering, and you should do that, but you will also need to have your injury or illness documented quickly in a DOL doctor’s visit whereby the physician affirms official validation of what happened to you, where, when, and how. Not all doctors know how to fill out the proper paperwork and how to help you file a DOL workers’ comp claim, so you will need to find a physician who is adept at this.
Let’s talk about how workers’ compensation works, what you need to give the doctor during your physical assessment for your DOL claim, and where you can go in Blue Springs to see a physician you can trust to conduct a DOL doctor’s visit and give you direct guidance with your claim.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
The Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) is a federal and state-run entity in the U.S. Department of Labor that helps injured workers get financially compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and more. It also oversees back-to-work testing (to determine whether the worker is healthy enough to return to work) and programs to optimize a worker’s skills as he or she recovers; this includes the possibility of modifying job tasks and methods for maximum employment success.
While this program helps thousands of people across the United States annually, it can be difficult to navigate. Deadlines, proper documentation, authorizations for treatment, and more can be puzzling and stressful for the applicant. As such, you will want to partner with an experienced DOL doctor who knows how to provide the medical advocacy, support, and expertise needed to help get patients the coverage they deserve.
How Should I Prepare for My DOL Doctor’s Appointment?
Before your DOL doctor’s visit, be sure to first report your on-the-job injury or illness to your employer, preferably via email to your manager so you have proof of the notification. Your employer’s workers’ compensation personnel (such as someone in human resources) will provide a case number to you. Bring this case number and your photo ID to your DOL doctor’s visit.
This physician will perform an independent medical examination (IME), which the government entity and employer’s insurance company requires for documented details regarding your injury and treatment. These physician findings provide proof that the employee is indeed injured and requires medical care, wage compensation, and a successful way to return to work.
For your DOL doctor’s appointment, it is best for you to bring the following:
- A list of current medications
- A list of symptoms, including their location on your body, frequency, and intensity
- Your medical history, including chronic conditions and past surgeries
- Details about the incident or conditions leading to the injury, and what limitations or issues have resulted
- Imaging and other test results (if any)
- A friend or relative who can help you with understanding the doctor’s findings and recommendations
- Any assistive devices you need, such as crutches or a sling
Be completely honest about the extent of the injury or condition, and do not criticize the employer or other employees. Be detailed, but truthful, and never exaggerate pain or other symptoms.
DOL Doctors in Blue Springs, MO
At Core Medical Center, workers’ compensation claims are one of our specialties. We can help with new, existing, and even denied medical claims to help you get your medical bills paid and the wage compensation you need.
Our DOL doctors understand workers’ comp requirements, and we are highly familiar with the paperwork necessary. We make sure our patients meet the deadlines on time.
Call us today at (816) 427-0201 for an appointment, or request one online. We have convenient hours, including several evenings every week until 7 pm, so you can visit us after work. We look forward to serving you!
