Following a workplace accident, employees in New York often seek workers’ compensation benefits, a process that involves various medical professionals. At CitiMed, our New York injury doctors play a crucial role in ensuring injured employees receive appropriate care.
CRUCIAL ROLES IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION INJURY CARE
Workers’ Compensation Nurse Case Manager
One integral medical care worker in a workers’ compensation case is the nurse case manager, often hired by the insurance company. A registered nurse, the nurse case manager handles tasks such as organizing transportation for employees struggling to reach appointments, scheduling medical visits, and ensuring proper documentation of injuries. They also oversee the prioritization of care and communicate this information to insurance adjusters, occasionally attending medical appointments or court hearings.
In New York, home healthcare workers play a crucial role in workers’ compensation cases. Despite being essential for specific injuries, the provision of home health services is governed by specific restrictions outlined in the New York Labor Law.
Home Health Services
As stipulated by the relevant regulations, the initiation of home health services necessitates a prescription from a licensed physician. Furthermore, the retroactive benefits associated with these services are expressly limited, allowing for a maximum period of fourteen days.
Qualified Medical Examiners:
Qualified Medical Examiners (QMEs) are certified doctors with a special designation from the workers’ compensation medical unit, frequently engaged in workers’ compensation cases. Their role involves evaluating the injured worker to determine the level of disability, which, in turn, dictates the amount and duration of benefits for the employee.
A Qualified Medical Examiner (QME) Expert Witness typically possesses a strong medical background and specific qualifications that make them suitable for providing expert testimony in court. Some examples of QME Expert Witness backgrounds and types of personal injury cases they may be qualified to appear for include:
CitiMed New York Orthopedic Surgeon:
- Background: Board-certified orthopedic surgeons with expertise in musculoskeletal injuries.
- Personal Injury Cases: Fractures, joint injuries, spine injuries, and orthopedic trauma.
- Background: Board-certified neurologists specializing in disorders of the nervous system.
- Personal Injury Cases: Traumatic brain injuries, nerve damage, and neurological disorders.
CitiMed New York Occupational Medicine Specialist:
- Background: Physicians with a focus on workplace-related injuries and illnesses.
- Personal Injury Cases: Occupational injuries, exposure to toxins, and work-related illnesses.
CitiMed New York Pain Management Specialist:
- Background: Physicians specializing in the management of chronic pain conditions.
- Personal Injury Cases: Chronic pain resulting from accidents, injuries, or medical procedures.
CitiMed New York Psychiatrist or Psychologist:
- Background: Mental health professionals specializing in psychological and psychiatric assessments.
- Personal Injury Cases: Emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychological trauma.
CitiMed New York Internal Medicine Physician:
- Background: General practitioners with expertise in internal medicine.
- Personal Injury Cases: Internal injuries, organ damage, and systemic health issues resulting from accidents.
CitiMed New York Rehabilitation Specialist:
- Background: Physicians specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
- Personal Injury Cases: Rehabilitation needs for individuals with physical disabilities or injuries.
CitiMed New York Chiropractors:
- Background: Chiropractors with expertise in musculoskeletal and spinal health.
- Personal Injury Cases: Neck and back injuries, whiplash, and other chiropractic-related conditions.
These examples showcase the diverse expertise that CitiMed QME Expert Witnesses can bring to different types of personal injury cases. It’s important to note that the specific qualifications and expertise required may vary based on the nature of the case, and the court may consider the relevance of the expert’s background to the specific issues at hand.
Medical care includes:
- Medical
- Dental
- Surgical
- Optometry
- Medically necessary drugs
- Assistive devices
Except for emergency cases, the health care provider who treats you must be authorized by the Workers’ Compensation Board to treat injured workers.
Find a Board Authorized New York WC Healthcare Provider
For those with inquiries about the workers’ compensation process and the professionals involved, contact us at CitiMed. Our team is ready to discuss workers’ compensation and address your business-related concerns.
Call us today for more information: 1-866-CitiMed
