Getting a doctor's note after a workplace accident
Suffering a work-related injury can turn your life upside-down. The last thing many people want to deal with is the paperwork that comes with any visit to a health care professional. They figure someone will have records of what was said, done, ordered, prescribed and so on. In a computer. In a filing cabinet. Somewhere. The fact is, unless you keep track of your own paperwork, you are asking for trouble. Chief among these records is a doctor's note.
The purpose of a doctor's note
The note details whether you can return to work or return with restrictions. You must have the note in order to receive financial benefits from workers’ compensation. The note should come from your treating physician, not a physical therapist or occupational therapist.
Keeping your own records also eliminates questions about referrals to specialists and authorizations for treatments. If you cannot prove that you had the proper approvals, you could end up with a large medical bill that you thought was covered by workers’ compensation.
When you can protect yourself – do it
- Keep and organize copies all of your records. When questions come up, you want to have the answers at your fingertips. An accurate paper trail helps keep your recovery on track.
- Double-check the papers given to you by your health care practitioner before leaving his or her office. Make sure the instructions match what the doctor told you. This helps avoid clerical errors and potential delays in your treatment.
- Ask questions – lots of them, if necessary – so that you know exactly what you are being told and the meaning of any paperwork that you receive. Responsible health care professionals will understand that you may be confused by their instructions. The more you know, the better.
When you need help – get it
If you have suffered a work-related injury, you may feel overwhelmed. Not only are you injured, you are trying to navigate the maze of workers’ compensation. It is a complex system that can seem like it was designed to frustrate you every step of the way. At the same time, you may be unable to work and support your family as medical bills pile up, adding to your emotional and mental burdens. It is easy to make an innocent mistake that can undermine your entire case.
The workers’ compensation attorneys at Tabor Law Firm P.C. handle cases just like yours throughout Mississippi, with offices in Ridgeland and Jackson. With more than 30 years of combined experience, we will treat you with the blend of professionalism and compassion that you deserve. We will even help you keep track of your medical records so that you have one less thing to worry about. Contact us today for a free case consultation.