Often, injured workers go to their company doctors. But if you are suffering from a work injury, getting a Department of Labor (DOL) doctor can help you recover. DOL doctors ensure proper treatment while also helping you out with the paperwork.
Here are some of the things you’ll want to ask your DOL doctor to make the process easier:
What Are My Injuries?
Some injuries might look bad but turn out to be not as bad as you had thought. On the other hand, there are injuries that you might shrug off only to find out that they’re severe. It’s crucial to ask this after any accident since it could prevent further complications. Knowing the severity of the injury helps you make informed decisions on how to proceed.
Will I Be Able To Return To Work?
Some work-related accidents might need bed rest or at least require you to stay off from work for days, weeks, or months. It can be quite troublesome when you’re unable to work. That is why it’s vital to ask your DOL doctor whether or not you’ll be able to return to work — or at least when you’ll be able to. If you can’t go back to work, your DOL doctor can provide you with the necessary documents to present to your employer.
Can I Make A DOL-OWCP (Office of Workers’ Compensation Program) Injury Claim?
Many employees don’t know whether they can make claims for injuries developing over time, such as arthritis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Work-related injuries don’t need to be acute, like an accident, to be eligible for a claim. In these cases, your DOL doctor might find grounds for a legitimate claim if they establish a direct link between your injury and your work.
What Forms And Procedures Do I Need To Accomplish?
Filling out forms and doing the paperwork can be confusing — more so when you’re already stressed out by your injury. DOL doctors can help reduce your worries by assisting you in filing your claim correctly, understanding the requirements, and avoiding any errors in the process. You can rest easy knowing that your needs, both medical and legal, are being met by professional DOL doctors.
What’s Your Background And Experience?
Just like any other medical professional, considering their credentials is a must. Ask them how long they have been a DOL doctor, where they received their education and training, and how many similar cases they have handled. Don’t hesitate to inquire about their background and allow that information to factor into your decision-making process.
What’s Your Consumer Rating?
DOL doctors are service providers, too. While they can deliver the proper and quality medical treatment you need, you should also consider their bedside manner. You could perform your research, such as reading reviews, getting referrals, and browsing their website. But you could also ask them to connect you with some of their patients so that you can ask them yourself.
What Are Your Admitting Privileges?
Some people prefer to spend their recovery in the comfort of their own homes. But some patients prefer to stay in a hospital during their recovery phase since it’s more convenient, especially in emergencies. Since every doctor has partnerships with area hospitals, ask your DOL doctor to learn their associated hospitals.
What’s Covered By My Worker’s Compensation Or Insurance?
Workers’ compensation may cover work-related accidents and injuries. An experienced DOL doctor can help you understand what your workers’ compensation or insurance covers and which fees you’ll need to pay out of pocket. Furthermore, they can also educate you on your workers’ compensation rights.
Workers’ compensation should cover some medical expenses such as prescription medicines, medical equipment, surgery, hospital stays, follow-up care, and more. You might also receive wage benefits that entitle you to 66.66% of your salary, depending on your injury or illness.
DOL Doctors In Blue Springs, MO
Recovering from a work injury and going through a DOL-OWCP injury claim at the same time can be overwhelming. Finding the right DOL doctor is a valuable resource in your recovery, helping ensure that you get the treatment and benefits you deserve. These questions can help you understand the process behind worker’s comp and communicate well with your doctor.
Here at Core Medical Center, we specialize in workers’ compensation claims and ensuring that patients receive the medical care and compensation they deserve. Our skilled DOL doctors are committed to helping patients get the best possible outcome through meticulous and precise treatment and documentation. We understand the importance of handling your DOL injury claim in a timely and thorough manner.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, call us today at (816) 427-0201 or request an appointment online. Don’t allow your healing and compensation to get bogged down by paperwork. We look forward to helping you get back on your feet!
