How Long Will Workers Comp Pay For Physical Therapy
How Long Will Workers’ Comp Pay For Physical Therapy laws can vary between states, but in nearly all cases, the law mandates that employers or insurance carriers cover all necessary medical treatments, including rehabilitation treatments like physical therapy.
Why Physical Therapy Matters in Workers’ Compensation
Physical therapy is often essential for various work-related injuries. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for employers to deny injured employees the physical therapy they require. This denial not only delays recovery but also jeopardizes health.
If you want to understand your rights regarding physical therapy as an injured worker, here’s a brief guide to workers’ compensation physical therapy.
Physical Therapy in Workers’ Compensation
Physical therapy isn’t solely reserved for intensive cases, such as paralysis. It applies to a wide range of injuries. Physicians commonly recommend physical therapy for injuries that hinder everyday tasks, ranging from minor ailments like tennis elbow and rotator cuff tears to severe conditions like amputations and spinal traumas. While it’s typically recommended for musculoskeletal issues such as bone fractures, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis, it can be applied to various other injuries.
In most workers’ compensation cases, physical therapy is a key component of an injured worker’s rehabilitation treatment. Its primary goal is to reduce pain and strengthen the body to facilitate a quicker return to work.
The cost of your physical therapy is typically covered as part of your workers’ compensation rehabilitation benefits. If your treating doctor deems it necessary, your employer or insurance carrier is responsible for covering these expenses. However, many states require that workers’ compensation physical therapy sessions be conducted by a licensed therapist accredited by your insurance company. Therefore, you may not have free choice in selecting your physical therapist, as the insurance company’s approval is essential to avoid benefit denial.
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Understanding Workers’ Compensation Rehabilitation Benefits
Physical therapy is included in workers’ compensation as part of your rehabilitation benefits. If you’re approved for workers’ compensation and your doctor authorizes physical therapy as part of your treatment plan, you are eligible for physical therapy benefits.
When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it’s crucial to report your injury to your employer promptly. In Florida, for instance, you have only 30 days to notify your employer about your injury, and your employer must report it to your insurance carrier within 7 days to prevent potential claim denial.
Once your claim is approved, your insurance carrier will provide you with a list of accredited medical professionals from which to choose. After selecting an accredited doctor, they will assess your condition and formulate a treatment plan. If, despite all treatments, you still face difficulties performing certain tasks, your doctor may recommend rehabilitation therapy.
Your physical therapist will collaborate with your doctor to determine the type of rehabilitation therapy required. As work-related injuries vary in type and severity, rehabilitation programs differ from one injured worker to another. However, most programs involve multiple sessions spanning a few weeks to several months.
Duration of Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Physical Therapy
Workers’ compensation typically covers physical therapy expenses until you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI) – the point at which your condition cannot be further improved. Beyond this stage, you may be responsible for the full cost of therapy or share the expenses with your insurance provider.
In Florida, for example, you’ll need to pay $10 per visit for medical treatments after reaching MMI. So, if your doctor declares that you’ve achieved MMI and you have a physical therapy session the next day, you’ll be responsible for a $10 co-payment for that session and subsequent ones.
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What to Do if Your Employer Denies Payment for Physical Therapy
Employer and insurance company denials of physical therapy for injured workers are not uncommon, and some doctors may even omit it from your treatment plan intentionally.
If your employer refuses to cover your physical therapy, it’s advisable to seek the assistance of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney like Victor Malca. With a track record of helping thousands of injured workers in Florida, he can work to secure the benefits you rightfully deserve. Contact us now for a free consultation.
