Can You Go to Urgent Care or ER for Workers’ Comp?

Yes, you can go to urgent care or to the ER for an injury that happened at work. There are many situations where waiting for a doctor’s appointment is not an option. Even though those doctors may not be approved by the insurer, your health matters more.

After you’ve received treatment, you may need to see a doctor on the approved list for your workers’ compensation claim to confirm what happened to you and what the best course of treatment is for your injuries.

If your employer or the insurer tries to tell you that you cannot go to urgent care or to the emergency room, you need legal representation. They may be trying to deny your claim. Contact our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers for help.

Will Workers’ Comp Cover the Cost of an ER Visit?

They will almost certainly cover the initial visit, especially if you had a legitimate emergency. If you need ER treatment, there’s no time to tell your employer what happened. You need treatment right away.

Additional trips may not be covered though, unless you can prove your work-related injury worsened and needed emergency treatment again. The approved medical providers may not be available if you suddenly need further care though, so don’t ruin your health by not getting care when you need it.

One problem with ER visits is that doctors in ERs see many patients. They may not have time to write up a good medical record. If you can, tell them when you go in that your injury is work-related and you need a copy of the record.

What Are Some Injuries That May Need ER or Urgent Care Treatment?

In cases of severe or life-threatening injuries, you should always go to the nearest emergency room immediately. You should visit an ER if you experience:

• Severe bleeding
• Head injuries with loss of consciousness
• Suspected broken bones
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing
• Severe burns

For less severe injuries that still require prompt attention, an urgent care facility may be appropriate. This could include:

• Sprains and strains
• Minor cuts requiring stitches
• Non-life-threatening burns
• Persistent pain from an injury

Remember, if you’re unsure about the severity of your injury, it’s always better to err on the side of caution and seek immediate medical attention.

Do I Need My Employer’s Permission to Go to the ER or to Urgent Care?

No, you do not. However, you do need to notify your employer about the injury and your visit as soon as you can, preferably within 24 hours. When you notify an employer about an injury, they must make a report to their insurer by law. Your report will help them make their report.

Sometimes, employers or their insurance companies may question the necessity of an ER or urgent care visit. If this happens, go anyway and then seek legal assistance. Our lawyers can help you demonstrate that your visit was medically necessary and should be covered under workers’ compensation.

Should I Go Back to the ER or Urgent Care for Follow-Up Care?

You should do this only in an emergency. Ideally, you should go visit with one of your employer’s approved workers’ compensation doctors. Your employer should have a list of at least six to choose from through their insurer.

If you have the medical records from your earlier visit, bring them with you when you see the approved doctor. That will help them get a better understanding of what happened and your care instructions.

When to Seek Legal Assistance With Your Workers’ Comp Claim

While many workers’ compensation claims proceed smoothly despite an ER or urgent care visit, there are situations where legal assistance becomes necessary. Here are some signs you may need to consult with a workers’ comp attorney:

• Claim Denial: If your workers’ compensation claim is denied because of the ER visit, an attorney can help you understand the reason for the denial and guide you through the appeals process.
• Disputed Medical Treatment: If your employer or their insurance company is refusing to approve necessary medical treatment, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive proper care.
• Retaliation: If you face negative consequences at work, such as demotion or termination, because you went to the ER, legal representation can protect your rights.

Many workers’ compensation attorneys, including John Foy & Associates, offer free initial consultations. Seeking legal help early can often prevent issues from escalating and ensure your access to workers’ comp is protected.

Workers’ Comp Can’t Stop You From Going to the ER or Urgent Care

There is no rule in workers’ comp that stops you from going to the ER or urgent care for a work-related injury or illness. The insurer may insist that you follow-up with one of their doctors, but when you’re in an emergency situation your health takes top priority over bureaucracy.

Should you receive retaliation from your employer or a denial of benefits from the insurer because you went for emergency care, get legal assistance. John Foy & Associates can help you with your workers’ compensation questions. Contact us now for a free consultation.