What You Need to Know about Medical Care after an Injury
You work for the federal government—maybe you’re a letter carrier or a mail clerk, or you work for the Transportation Security Administration—and you’ve been hurt on the job. The nature of your injuries makes it impossible for you to perform the tasks required to the job you had at the time of your injury. You have the right, though, under the Federal Employees’ Compensation Act, or FECA, to seek workers compensation benefits.
You Have the Right to Choose Your Initial Treating Physician
Under the federal law, you are entitled to seek necessary medical care for your injury, though you must choose a qualified doctor or medical facility. If you do, the costs of your care will generally be covered by your federal workers’ compensation benefits. If you decide to change your caregiver, you must obtain permission from the Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs (OWCP) or you may lose workers’ compensation coverage of medical expenses. If the medical professional or facility you select is not eligible to provide services under an OWCP claim, you will be notified and must choose another caregiver.
Why It’s Important to Choose the Right Doctor for Your Federal Work Comp Claim
The application process for receiving federal workers’ compensation benefits is complex, and many applicants are initially (and wrongfully) denied coverage. You want a medical professional who has successfully worked with the OWCP to help others obtain federal workers’ compensation benefits. You want a physician who knows what the OWCP needs to approve your claim, and can ensure that your application includes the appropriate information. Furthermore, when you can’t work because of injuries sustained on the job, it’s essential that you start receiving benefits as soon as possible. If you work with a doctor who has little knowledge or understanding of the federal workers’ compensation programs, your claim can be unnecessarily delayed as your doctor tries to determine what information is required.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion, TBI or traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas and San Antonio.