WORKERS’ COMPENSATION MEDICAL CARE
New Jersey is traveling a managed care system when it comes to Workers’ Compensation. When a worker is injured on the job and needs treatment, he or she must follow the compensation insurance companies protocol in order to get his bills paid. One must either use the workers’ compensation doctor or get authorization (permission) to use another doctor of their own choosing.
This system was designed as a cost savings measure. The purpose was to cut back on excessive treatment that would drive up the costs of medical care. The problem is that many injured workers’ didn’t get the treatment they need because some physician who is being paid by the insurance company refuses to treat the worker or order any diagnostic testing. This is a real controversial area within the compensation system.
An injured worker can file a claim to get treatment that the insurance company refuses to pay for what he or she must first get a report from a doctor stating that the worker needs treatment, that it is curable treatment and that the cost is reasonable. To get this report often requires the injured worker to pay money out of pocket to get this examination and report. Often a compensation lawyer is required to compel the insurance company to pay for any treatment that the insurance company refuses to pay for. My advice is that the earlier you retain an attorney the better you’ll be protected.
