Workers' Compensation is a statutory program that provides wage loss and medical benefits to employees in accordance with each state's Workers' Compensation Act. If an employee sustains a job-related injury, or suffers an occupational disease in the course and scope of their employment, s/he may be entitled to receive benefits under workers' compensation.
The employee must report all work-related accidents or injuries to his/her supervisor immediately, complete the required forms within 24 hours of the incident and forward them to the Department of Risk Management so that the claim can be submitted to the insurance carrier.
If the injured employee seeks medical treatment, s/he must treat with one of the designated health care providers listed on the Panel of Providers. S/he must also continue to treat with one of these providers for 90 days from the date of the initial visit. Should the injured employee continue to require treatment after the 90 day period, then s/he may choose to go to a non-Panel provider; however, the employee must notify the insurance carrier within 5 days of the first visit to the new provider to assure payment of medical treatment.
Initial treatment may be sought at an emergency room in the event:
- An employee sustains an injury during an evening (after 5:00pm Monday – Friday) or weekend shift (any time Saturday and Sunday) that requires immediate treatment; or
- An employee sustains a serious or life-threatening injury during normal business hours (8:00am – 5:00pm) that requires emergency medical treatment.
However, all follow-up treatment must be with a panel provider. Also, unless the injured employee is admitted to the hospital, if any restrictions were given by the emergency medical provider, including but not limited to time off from work, follow-up with the panel provider must occur the next business day to address any restrictions, including time off from work.
Policy and Forms
Employees must report all work-related accidents or injuries to his/her supervisor immediately, complete the injury report form within 24 hours of the incident and forward it to the Department of Risk Management so that the claim can be submitted to the insurance carrier.
If an employee sustains a work-related injury requiring immediate medical treatment, s/he may seek initial treatment at the closest Urgent Care or Emergency Room. The insurance carrier will refer you to the appropriate provider for any follow-up care that may be needed.
Forms