One of the first things that comes to your mind when you get hurt at work is, who’s going to shoulder my medical treatment? Georgia has legislation on medical care payment and the compensation benefits you’re entitled to. By having an idea on how medical bills after a work injury in Georgia are paid, you’ll be able to avoid stress and ensure you receive the care you deserve.

Understanding Who Finances Your Medical Treatment

Your workers’ compensation insurance is usually obligated to cover your medical bills when you’re injured at work. This also covers visits to the hospital, doctor visits, prescription medicine, rehabs, and even your travel expenses for medical care.

The key is to show that your accident occurred during your working hours. After your claim is received, your employer’s insurance company is expected to pay your medical bills on your behalf, so you don’t need to make any out-of-pocket payment.

Choosing a Doctor Under Georgia Workers’ Compensation

In Georgia, you don’t always have the freedom to choose any doctor you want. Your employer must provide a list of at least six physicians to consider. You can pick one from this list as your authorized treating physician.

If you see a doctor outside the approved list without permission, your employer’s insurance company may refuse to pay those medical bills. However, if your employer doesn’t have an accredited list of physicians, you may have the right to choose your own doctor.

What Medical Expenses Are Covered?

The Georgia workers’ compensation includes a broad gap of medical expenses regarding your injury, and these include:

• Hospital visits and emergency room visits.
• Consultations with doctors and follow-ups.
• Prescription medications
• Diagnostic methods such as X-rays or MRIs.
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy.
• Surgeries and medical equipment that are required.

It may also bear reimbursement for miles travelled to and from medical appointments.

What Do You Do When Your Claim is Rejected?

Denied claim. This is a situation where your medical bills have been denied by the insurance company, and you’re left in a hopeless state. There are a few alternatives to receive instant care, but none of them can address the underlying issue:

• Use Private Health Insurance: Your private health insurance may temporarily pay for your treatment, but it will likely place a lien on your workers’ compensation case, demanding repayment if you eventually win.

• Pay Out-of-Pocket: This is almost impossible for serious injuries and should be avoided, if possible.

When you are denied your claim, the fight to have your bills paid becomes legal and not an administrative one. Now you have to make a formal claim to the State Board of Workers’ Compensation and get ready to appeal the decision.

Get Help with a Georgia Work Injury Lawyer

The medical bill navigation in a workers’ compensation case in Georgia is a complicated business. Don’t risk thousands of dollars in debt because of a simple mistake regarding doctor choice or a missed deadline. If you’re struggling to get medical treatment or settling your bills, consulting a workers’ compensation attorney is the way to get protection from your rights and health.

When you’re recovering from injury, paying medical bills can be daunting. Take the step to contact Putting People First. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can assist you on your unpaid medical bills and help secure maximum benefits.