5 Ways To Make The Most Of Your Workers’ Comp Benefits
Hi there. Today I want to discuss another common experience that folks with computer-related RSI go through, which is dealing with the Workers’ Comp (WC) system. Let’s talk about some ways to make the most of this so-called benefit.
Before I start, I need to preface this by saying that WC laws can vary widely by state, and I really don’t know how WC and workplace injury law works outside of the United States. Fortunately, I’m not talking about the law here in this blog post, so this post hopefully has useful information for those with computer-related RSI.
When you’re injured at work with a computer-related repetitive strain injury, you enter this strange new network of people which is called the Workers’ Comp system.
Here’s how it starts: You report the injury to your boss or HR, who in my case and hopefully yours, immediately recommends you go to see a doctor. And from this point on, HR will becomes more involved in your life.
In my state, Colorado, I could not see what’s called my primary care provider, which is means my regular doctor. Instead, I had to see a doctor specializing in injuries treated via WC. So your WC doctor is the second person who you get to deal with in your life now.
Your employer has WC insurance of course, so that insurance agent who works for the WC insurance company now is in your network. That person or team is managing your “Workers’ Comp case”, making sure you and care providers are all doing what you are supposed to be doing and not wasting the money that the insurance company spending on your healthcare. You will likely have to interact with that person at least once in a while.
Next, and throughout your treatment, your doctor will probably refer you to all sorts of other specialists and doctors like surgeons, acupuncturists, pain treatment specialists, occupational therapists, and whatever others. In my case, there were at least 3 other medical specialists who were simultaneously working on my treatment.
When it’s working perfectly, all of these people communicate in harmony, and keep you informed as well. My doctor even told me that it’s not my responsibility to make sure the process is running or to expedite communication. Most of the time though, things don’t go so smoothly. These are other humans were dealing with, and a lot of paperwork, so things can easily go wrong and fall through the cracks if someone isn’t paying attention. To a lot of people, me included, the WC system can at times seem like an endless mirrored maze of red tape, confusion, and miscommunication, especially at the beginning of your journey.
However, the treatment I received I must say was spectacular, so it’s definitely worth your time to make the most of your benefit. Here’s a checklist of tips to help you make the most of your WC benefits:
Tip 1 Keep your own goals at the forefront when doing your WC activities and interacting with the folks in this network. Remember, these people are knowledgeable and talented, and their knowledge is available for you to use and is a benefit to you, but they do not know your life and your needs. Keep alert, advocate for yourself, and don’t just go through the motions.
Tip 2 Request copies of EVERYTHING. This comes in handy when one party or the other is slow with sending paperwork – I found that sometimes it is faster just to facilitate communication myself. This tip also includes taking pictures of any documents they have you hand-write in the office.
Tip 3 Expect to use your hands or devices on days when you visit your WC treatment. You may be asked to fill out paperwork, or use a device to look up past emails/communication/documents. My first recommendation is to budget your hand/device time in advance. But if you are in extreme pain and need help, ask the office staff or the doctor to fill out the paperwork as you dictate to them, and then ask them to make copies of the docs or take pics with your device.
Tip 4 Don’t be afraid to just pick up the phone and call people. One of the ironies here is that you can easily exacerbate your RSI symptoms simply by communicating with your WC network, which is the last thing anyone wants to happen.
Tip 5 Don’t drive if it exacerbates your injury. If driving is a problem, then you should let your doctor know. You can switch to virtual visits when possible, or the insurer can pay for transportation like cabs or Ubers.
You need to be the one who manages your recovery – basically become the project manager of this loosely connected team of people in your life. Dealing with the WC system on a weekly basis is basically like your new hobby, one which is not fun at all and can sometimes be a burdensome obligation.
In my case, I received Workers’ Comp treatment for 10 months, basically from the day I was injured until the day I left my employment. I went to 55 appointments in 44 weeks, which averages to 1.25 appointments per week. Let’s assume that each appointment lasts an hour, and takes about 40 minutes to drive round trip. In those 10 months, I spent just about 2 hours per week driving to appointments and being in appointments. That’s a lot of time every single week, and doesn’t include the time you spend at home calling and emailing these people.
Let’s think about it another way: I got 1.25 hours of free medical care every week that year. That’s an amazing benefit! However, in your state of chronic pain, frustration at getting behind at work, and the added stress of dealing with the Workers’ Comp system, it can be easy to get discouraged and start thinking “what’s the point?”. That’s why it’s incredibly important to stay focused on your goals and really work hard at these Workers’ Comp healthcare sessions so that you know that it’s worth it because you’re making it worth it.
Thank you for reading! Let us know in the comments your thoughts and feedback.
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