What medical benefits are covered by workers’ compensation?
The Worker’s Disability Compensation Act provides that a worker is entitled to all
reasonable and necessary medical care for his work injury. This includes
medical, surgical, and hospital services, dental services, crutches, hearing
apparatus, chiropractic treatment and nursing care. The responsibility to provide
medical care continues indefinitely so long as the need for the care is related to
the industrial injury. Mileage to and from all medically related appointments and
pharmacies is also covered.

Does an injured worker have to treat with the company doctor or can he see his own doctor?
During the first 10 days of treatment, the employer has the right to choose the
doctor. After that the worker is free to change doctors if he desires. The worker,
however, must notify the employer of the change. If the company fails to offer
medical treatment during the first 10 days following the injury, the employee can
treat with the doctor of his choice. The employer or its insurance company must
pay for treatment by the employee’s doctor for the work injury.

How does an injured worker get his medical bills paid for his work injury?
Doctors and medical providers will typically send their bills directly to the
employer or its insurance carrier. If the injured worker pays the doctor directly, he
is entitled to be reimbursed by the employer or insurance company for that
payment. Medical bills and travel allowance that remain unpaid should be
submitted directly to the workers’ compensation insurance carrier by certified
mail. If the employer is not disputing the claim, and if medical bills and travel
allowance are not paid within thirty days after the insurance carrier or employer
receives the bill by certified mail, $50.00 or the amount of the bill, whichever is
less, shall be added and paid to the worker for each day over 30 days in which
the medical bills or travel allowance are not paid. The maximum penalty payment
is $1,500.00.

How long does an injured worker get medical coverage for his work injury?
The injured employee is entitled to medical benefit coverage for the length of the
work-related injury. There is no cap on the dollar amount to be paid and no cap
on the number of years for which the employer or insurance company will be
responsible. The employer or insurance company is responsible for reasonable
and necessary medical care and treatment of a work-related injury so long as the
injury exists. When the employee fully recovers, the right to medical benefits
ends.