Workers’ Compensation and Chiropractic Care
You’ve been in an accident at work.
You’re injured and in pain. You want to get better and get back to work as soon as possible.
But you are wondering, “Does workers comp cover chiropractic care?”
Many people are in the same position as you, struggling to understand the coverage they can receive through workers’ compensation.
In this article, you can get some definitive answers to your questions about workers’ compensation and chiropractic care.
Table of Contents
- Does Workers’ Comp Cover Chiropractic Care in Oregon?
- 4 Steps to Arranging Chiropractic Care Through Workers’ Compensation
- What Is a Chiropractor’s Role in Workers’ Compensation Treatment?
- Types of Work-Related Injuries Treated With Chiropractic Care
- How Cascade Spine & Injury Center Can Help You Recover From Work-Related Injuries
Does Workers’ Comp Cover Chiropractic Care in Oregon?
Yes, chiropractic care is covered under workers’ compensation in Oregon.
Although laws are different depending on the state, if you’ve been injured at work in Oregon, you may receive chiropractic care as part of your treatment plan.
Our professional chiropractic team at Cascade Spine & Injury has helped hundreds of people recover and regain strength with individualized treatment plans covered by workers’ comp.
Find relief from your work-related injury by contacting us today.
4 Steps to Arranging Chiropractic Care Through Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation insurance is designed to help employees who are injured on the job.
Chiropractic care is often an important part of the healing process for these injuries.
If you are injured at work, follow these four steps to arrange chiropractic care through your workers’ compensation insurance.
Step 1: Officially Report Your Injury
If you are injured at work, the first thing you need to do is notify your employer and turn in the Report of Job Injury or Illness form, also known as Form 801.
Once your employer has been notified, they will usually contact a workers’ compensation insurance company to begin the claims process.
The insurance company will then send you a packet of information, which will include a claim number.
You will need this claim number when you seek medical care.
When Should You Report a Work Injury?
You should report your work injury right away whether you have:
- PIP (personal injury protection) policy through your employer; or
- Coverage under your state’s workers’ compensation system
Either way, you will need to get treatment within a certain amount of time, or you may lose your benefits.
For example, if you fall off a ladder, your employer may not have issues with you filing workers’ compensation.
But if you’re lifting boxes for months and have a bad shoulder, then filing a workers’ comp claim may seem inauthentic. Or, if you have an accident at work and say you’re fine, but come back days or weeks later wanting to file a workers’ comp claim, that may be problematic.
In Oregon, your employer must file a claim within five days of giving notice of your injury.
It’s important to note there is no “gap in care” provision under workers’ compensation. This means that if you miss a deadline, fail to take action, or miss an appointment, your benefits could be cut off.
This is why it’s so important to report your injury right away and get the treatment you need.
If you’re not sure whether you should report your injury, please contact our office and we will be happy to help you determine if you have a valid workers’ compensation claim.
Step 2: Choose an Attending Physician
After reporting your injury, the next step is to seek medical attention.
You may have gone to the emergency room or urgent care, but now you need to find an attending physician.
What is an attending physician?
This is a medical professional, such as a …
- Medical doctor
- Nurse practitioner
- Chiropractor
… who will oversee your care and make sure you get the treatment you need.
You may also choose your own attending physician, just make sure they are qualified to treat workers’ compensation cases.
Once you’ve chosen an attending physician, they will coordinate your care and file the necessary paperwork with the workers’ compensation insurance company.
Keep in mind that your attending physician can change during your treatment.
If you’re not happy with the care you’re receiving, or if you feel you’re not getting better, you can change your attending physician simply by visiting another provider and then you and the new doctor fill out a change of physician form.
Let’s look at your options for choosing an attending physician.
Medical Doctor
A medical doctor (MD) is a Type A provider, which means they can manage your case for as long as it is necessary for you until you’re medically stationary — or when a doctor determines that the injury is likely not to improve with more time or treatment.
Medical doctors may:
- Order x-rays
- Provide treatment
- Refer out for treatment; and
- Decide when you can work or be on light duty
Nurse Practitioner
A nurse practitioner (NP) is a Type B provider, which means their treatment is limited in scope and duration.
Nurse practitioners may:
- Provide treatment after the claim
- Authorize up to 180 days of time loss
Chiropractor
If you’ve been injured at work in Oregon, you can have a chiropractor as a Type B, attending physician.
Your workers’ compensation policy will allow chiropractic care by chiropractors that are certified by the Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division.
Chiropractors may:
- Treat for 60 days (or 18 visits) after the reported date of injury; and
- Provide extended care if the treating physician feels it is necessary
After 60 days, chiropractors can make a referral for someone who can treat you longer, such as a nurse practitioner or medical doctor.
Step 4: Receive Care
Once you have filed a claim, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance should allow you to see the attending physician of your choosing.
There may be limits to the number of visits you can make, so it is important to get treatment as soon as possible.
You should also get referrals for any other type of care you may need.
Do you need chiropractic care?
Cascade Spine & Injury Center can work with your workers’ compensation plan, schedule your allotted visits, and help you with a speedy recovery.
Contact us at Cascade Spine & Injury Center today.
What Is a Chiropractor’s Role in Workers’ Compensation Treatment?
Chiropractors play an important role in workers’ compensation treatment.
At your first appointment, the chiropractor may:
- Take a complete medical history
- Perform a physical examination
- Order X-rays or other diagnostic tests; and
- Develop a treatment plan
The number of visits you need will depend on the severity of your injury and your response to treatment.
In most cases, the chiropractor can treat you for up to 60 days. If you still need care after 60 days, the chiropractor may make a referral for someone who can treat you longer.
Attending Physician Referrals
Sometimes, the chiropractor may refer you for other treatments, such as:
- Massage or physical therapy
- Acupuncture; or
- Other complementary therapies
The referral will be made to a provider who is covered by your workers’ compensation insurance.
Types of Work-Related Injuries Treated With Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment option for a variety of work-related injuries and conditions, including:
- Tendonitis
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Nerve pain
- Headaches; and
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Chiropractic care can also help improve the range of motion and reduce recovery time after an injury.
How Cascade Spine & Injury Center Can Help You Recover From Work-Related Injuries
At Cascade Spine & Injury Center, we offer a wide range of services that can help you recover from your injuries, including:
- Chiropractic adjustments
- Spinal decompression
- Massage therapy
- Rehabilitation exercises
If you have been injured on the job, contact Cascade Spine & Injury Center today to schedule a consultation with our experienced team of chiropractors.
We will work with you and your workers’ compensation insurance provider to create a treatment plan tailored to your unique needs and goals, which may include some of the following treatments.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is covered by workers’ compensation insurance plans in Oregon, as it can be an effective treatment for work-related injuries.
If you have been injured at work outside of the state of Oregon, check with your employer and/or insurance provider to see if chiropractic care is covered under your plan.
Massage Therapy
Many people often don’t realize the benefits of massage therapy until they are injured and in need of recovery.
Massage therapy can be very beneficial in the treatment of injuries, both acute and chronic.
It can also help to:
- Speed up the recovery process
- Reduce pain and swelling; and
- Increase range of motion
Massage therapy is often used with other forms of treatment, such as:
- Chiropractic care
- Physical therapy; and
- Acupuncture
It is a versatile treatment that can be customized to each individual’s needs.
Acupuncture
While there are many ways to treat workers’ compensation injuries, some methods are more effective than others.
One treatment option that is gaining popularity is acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into the skin at specific points on the body, which may help improve the flow of energy and promote recovery from injury.
If you are interested in trying acupuncture for your workers’ compensation injury, be sure to consult with your doctor or chiropractor first.
They can determine whether this treatment is right for you.
Rehabilitation
We understand how difficult it can be to deal with a work-related injury.
You may be feeling overwhelmed and hopeless.
But at Cascade Spine & Injury Center, we want you to know that there is hope.
We specialize in helping people recover from work-related injuries through rehabilitation.
Our experienced team will create a personalized plan to help you regain your strength and range of motion.
Contact us today to start your journey to recovery.