Top 11 Workers’ Comp Mistakes People Make When Seeing Their Doctor
We at Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A. have come up with our top 11 workers’ comp mistakes that people make when seeing their new doctor. After an accident in Florida, a Workers’ Compensation Insurance Carrier will get to pick your authorized doctor. They are probably not going to be your family doctor. A new doctor often makes one uncomfortable. Being in a new environment and surrounded by new doctors people have a tendency to make mistakes. We want to review these mistakes with you so you can avoid them when seeing your workers’ compensation doctor. With that we give you –
The Top 11 Workers’ Comp Mistakes People Make When Seeing Their Doctor
Mistake – When You Do Not Give Your Doctor all the Details.
Take your time and give a complete and detailed history of how your injury occurred at work to the doctor. The work injury history given to the very first doctor you see is usually the most important in your Workers Compensation case. Slow down, take your time and give them all the details.
Mistake – When You Do Not Explain to Your Doctor Your Job Duties
Make sure you explain to the doctor your exact job duties. This will give your doctor a clear picture of what your day to day job responsibilities encompasses. The doctor does not know everything that you have to do your job. Having a clear understanding of your duties will allow the doctor to accurately assess what restrictions are appropriate for your specific job.
Mistake – Not Explaining What You Were Doing Before the Pain Started
Make sure you describe what you were doing before the pain started. This activity could actually be the cause of the injury. It is important to take the time to walk your doctor through it. Physical activity prior to the actual onset of pain, rather than the activity at the time of the onset of your pain, is often the cause of the injury.
Mistake – Not Being Through on New Patient Forms
When you see a doctor for the first time, no one looks forward to the endless forms that we all have to complete. In this instance, you want to be very careful when completing the new patient information form. Give details, full, and accurate history of the workplace injury. Be honest and truthful if the form asks about similar or pre-existing injuries.
Mistake – Not Including All Your Injuries at the Time of the Accident
Fully describe every body part you injured in your accident to your doctor. Don’t skip an injury because you do not feel pain at the time of your visit. Make sure and include them in the new patient intake form. Sometimes, the lesser problems can become more significant later. It is important that the Doctor has a clear picture of everything that happened when your injury occurred. Make sure you mention them all to your doctor from the very beginning.
Mistake – Not Reviewing Your Forms Before Signing
Forms can be boring. A Workers Compensation accident generates many of them. They can be mind-numbing. However, they are very important to your case. Make sure that you thoroughly review all of your forms before you sign them. Take the time to make sure they are 100% accurate.
Mistake – Offering Your Own Health Insurance Information
When you are seeing your workers’ compensation doctor, make sure they know your injury occurred on the job. Give them all the details for your employer and do not pull out your own health insurance card for payment. Your employer has workers’ compensation insurance, and they will take care of the payment. Make sure you keep a copy of all the bills and paperwork that the doctor gives you.
Mistake – Allowing Insurance Representatives in Your Exam
There have been cases where a nurse case manager from the insurance company appears at your appointment. Understand that you have rights. You have the right to see your doctor without the nurse case manager is present in the exam room. You can decline any request from the representative from the insurance company to attend the appointment with you. The doctor has an obligation under HIPPA laws to keep your exam private.
Mistake – Not Keeping Copies of EVERYTHING
Workers’ Compensation accidents generate a ton of paperwork. You must keep copies of every piece of paper. Especially important is the paperwork regarding your work restrictions. Always keep any paperwork the doctor gives you pertaining to your work restrictions. When you visit your attorney, give them copies of everything.
Mistake – Exaggerating or Overstating Your Symptoms
Never exaggerate or overstate your symptoms. This will only hurt your workers’ compensation claim. A skilled doctor has methods to determine when a patient is exaggerating or overstating their symptoms. If the Doctor suspects this, they will document it in your records. This documentation will have a negative effect on your case. Be honest and truthful with the Doctor. They will appreciate the honesty and it will help to develop a good relationship with them.
Mistake – Slacking off at a Functional Capacity Evaluation
A Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is an exam that evaluates your capacity to perform work activities related to your job. If you are attending an FCE, give it your best efforts. Good examiners will be able to tell when you are slacking off and not giving the evaluation your best efforts. By trying your hardest, within your physical capabilities, you will show that you are being honest and sincere. Both the positive and the negatives will appear in your medical records.
Talk To A Professional
Workers’ Compensation can be very complicated. These top 11 workers’ comp mistakes are not the only mistakes people make. It is important that you have an experienced Jacksonville Workers’ Compensation Attorney by your side to guide you through the process. If you have any questions at all about your medical benefits and your workers’ compensation claim, please contact us at Harris Guidi Rosner, P.A. You can reach us anytime by phone at (904) 777-7777. You can also contact us via email at mills@harrisguidi.com for a free consultation regarding your case.
