- Workers' Compensation Claims
Chapter 4: Your Right to Medical Treatment After a Workplace Injury
When an employee is injured at work or suffers an occupational illness, it is important that the employee receives medical treatment. However, who pays for the treatment? Does an employee pay for medical care and receive reimbursement from the employer?
Under Maryland’s Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier pays for necessary and reasonable medical treatment for covered injuries. You have the right to choose your physicians for medical treatment. It is important that you notify each medical provider that you are being treated for a work-related injury or illness. Most medical providers accept workers’ comp cases; however, you want to verify acceptance before you receive treatment.
Examples of medical treatment you may receive for a workplace injury or illness include:
- Emergency room visits
- Physicians bills
- Hospitalizations
- Surgeries
- Medications and medical equipment
- Diagnostic tests
- Physical therapy
- Vocational Rehabilitation
Each injury is unique; therefore, you may require specialized medical care. If the workers’ compensation insurance company denies medical care, contact the Pinder Plotkin legal team to discuss your options for appealing the decision.
Medical Care Received Outside of Maryland
If you move out of state after being injured at work, you are entitled to continue medical treatment near your new residence. However, the workers’ comp provider is only required to pay medical expenses based on the Maryland Fee Schedule published each year by the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission (WCC). The fee schedule is based on the average charges by medical providers in Maryland and does not take into consideration fees charged by medical providers in other states.
Therefore, if you cannot locate a doctor that accepts Maryland fee rates, you can pay the difference for the medical fees that the workers’ compensation carrier does not cover, or you can return to Maryland for medical treatment. If you return to Maryland for treatment, you cannot claim reimbursement for travel expenses from your new home to Maryland. You would only be entitled to mileage reimbursement based on your old residence.
Proper Medical Care After a Workplace Injury is Crucial
It is vital that you receive proper medical treatment after you are injured at work. The quality and comprehensiveness of your medical care have a significant impact on your ability to recover from an injury or illness. If you are experiencing issues receiving medical care or medical expenses are not being paid, learn about your right to medical treatment and contact the Pinder Plotkin legal team to request a free consultation with a Maryland workers’ comp lawyer by calling 410-525-5337.
