Health professionals are a crucial part of the worker’s compensation system. The treating physician is responsible for directing each aspect of the injured worker’s medical care. The opinion contained in their medical reports will influence the employment benefits that the victim may receive.
In this way, the treating physician’s role is decisive for the rapid and successful recovery of the injured worker. If quick recovery is not achievable, the doctor will evaluate and direct the treatment, evolution, and recovery of injuries that require long-term or temporary medical care.
The choice and the relationship established with the treating physician are vital because their medical reports describe the nature of the injuries, the symptoms, and the causes that originate them. These reports will also contain relevant aspects of the worker’s medical history, the limitations in their work skills, and the medical treatment recommendations to follow.
Likewise, the diagnosis, opinion, guidelines, and conclusions issued by the treating physician are used to establish the different compensation benefits to which workers are entitled. They can include economic benefits and other types of non-economic benefits such as medicines, care with physical therapists, psychologists, or other specialists.
The treating doctor also establishes the rest time that the worker needs to recover from his injuries, when he must return to work, and what activities he can perform without affecting his health. Additionally, their decisions will define the amount of money the worker will receive a temporary disability or permanent disability benefits, if applicable.
To conclude, the report prepared by the treating physician must present the diagnosis of the injury or illness presented by the worker and the supporting evidence coherently and forcefully. The employer’s insurance company, attorneys, and other physicians treating the patient may have access to this document. The doctor may even be called to testify when there are disputes between the parties.
