One complaint that we often here from injured workers is that the workers’ compensation insurance company delays or denies the medical treatment they need. These delays in approval often cause injuries to heal poorly or not to heal at all, leaving the injured worker with a permanent impairment that could have easily been avoided. When necessary medical treatment is delayed, the injured worker does not often see as good a result from that treatment. Despite this, we often see injured workers whose MRIs, physical therapy, and surgery are delayed because the insurer delayed approval. Luckily, there are some methods that can be used to get treatment approved more quickly.
Board Form WC-205
The Board Form WC-205 is one method which can be used in Georgia workers’ compensation claims. The authorized doctor or other medical provider can send this form to the insurer requesting preapproval for the medical treatment. If the insurer does not respond to the form within five business days, then the treatment is deemed approved.
Expedited Resolution
A second way of getting treatment approved is only available to attorneys. This method is called “Expedited Resolution”. This method can sometime be used to schedule a phone call with the workers’ compensation administrative law judge to resolve issues with authorization of recommended medical treatment.
Requesting A Hearing
A third method of getting treatment approved is litigation. In a workers’ compensation setting, this means going to court and getting a judge to order the medical treatment. Unfortunately, while workers’ compensation is quicker than most court systems, it is often not quick enough when it comes to delivering medical treatment. It can still take many months to get to court and get a decision from a judge ordering the recommended medical treatment.
Need Help Getting Medical Treatment Approved?
Getting the medical treatment you need is extremely important so that you can get better and move on with your life. Our attorneys who specialize in workers’ compensation make it a priority to do what they can to make sure your doctors can provide you with the medical treatment you need. If you have questions about getting medical treatment approved, you can get a free consultation with one of our attorneys by completing the “Need Help” form or calling the phone number on the right of this page.
