What are some common workers’ compensation guidelines that affect physical therapy?

No one wants to feel unsafe in the workplace. Thanks to advances in technology and safety, our workplaces are safer now than they have ever been. Studies report a 75% decrease in work-related injuries and deaths since 1972. Unfortunately, despite our best efforts, work-related injuries can still happen.

Work-related injuries are often responsible for missed days from work. This results in lost productivity for the employer and lost wages for the employee. Many injuries also require medical treatment that can be time consuming and costly. This can include surgery, medication and physical therapy. Thankfully, workers’ compensation insurance can help cover those costs. Both employers and employees benefit from workers’ compensation insurance.

Will workers’ compensation insurance cover the cost of my physical therapy?

Physical therapy is often recommended by physicians when treating work-related injuries. For this reason, it is usually covered by workers’ compensation insurance. However, there may be some guidelines in place that affect physical therapy. Your state’s workers’ compensation guidelines could make a big difference in how much care you can access. Workers’ compensation guidelines will vary from state to state, but some of the most common are:

• Workers’ compensation requirements — Most states require employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance, but there are some exceptions. For example, Florida requires businesses with four or more employees to carry workers’ compensation insurance. But it is not required for independent contractors unless they work in the construction industry.

• A physician’s referral — Physical therapy can be accessed without a physician’s referral in all 50 states. However, many states require a referral for your physical therapy sessions to be covered under workers’ compensation insurance. In this case, you would be free to schedule appointments on your own, but you should expect to pay for them out of pocket.

• Limited number of visits — Some states may limit the number of physical therapy sessions that can be covered by workers’ compensation insurance. For example, the state of Georgia has a 400-week limitation on medical coverage that can be covered by workers’ compensation. While this may seem like a long time, some work-related injuries may require treatment for many years. Your state’s workers’ compensation guidelines could make a big difference in how much care you can access.

How can physical therapy help me recover from my work-related injury?

If your physician refers you to a physical therapist to treat your work-related injury, there are a number of ways that you can benefit. Physical therapy can treat a number of common complaints, such as chronic back pain, as well as more specialized conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. Some other ways you can benefit from physical therapy are: 

• Reduced pain — You may experience pain from your work-related injury long after the incident has occured. A licensed physical therapist can help you manage and reduce your pain while helping you heal. 

• Increased mobility — Many workplace injuries result in a loss of mobility. Being unable to move and bend your body the way that you used to can prevent you not only from returning to work, but also from performing everyday tasks. Physical therapy is designed to help you return to your normal flexibility and mobility, so that you can return to your regular routine.

• Work conditioning — Before you return to work, it’s important to make sure your body is prepared. A physical therapist can help you strengthen the parts of your body that may be prone to injury and will work with you to make sure you are ready to return to work. 

Who can help me access physical therapy through workers’ compensation?

Let Specialists in Sports and Orthopedic Rehabilitation be your trusted partner in navigating your recovery from your work-related injury. We accept all forms of workers’ compensation insurance. Our team is also well versed in the workers’ compensation guidelines for the state of Kansas.

Our specialists can perform an initial evaluation to determine the care that you need. From there, they will work with you to set your recovery goals. They will then craft a physical therapy plan that is perfectly suited to your needs and your schedule. 

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.