Every day carries its own menace, especially when you have to drive to your work and be aware of possible accidents. In addition, doing your job can also put you in danger and increase the possibility of suffering a lesion. However, the best decision is to take one step forward, take precautions, and try to prevent any complications with workers’ compensation. It means you will be supported with procedures and treatments based on your health needs, seeking long-term recovery results.
At Prestige Medical Care, our professional staff is committed to supporting every patient’s concerns and treating any condition related to their job, making us their first option for their recovery process. Dr. Bland offers a wide range of services adapted to your lifestyle and work factors.
Workers' Compensation and Comprehensive Care
At Prestige Medical Care, we understand that a work injury cannot only impact your health but also your financial and emotional stability. Workers’ compensation is the medical support for any injury or disease related to your job. The purpose is to guarantee that every worker will receive medical treatment and support in the recovery process without having legal issues against the employer.
In Arizona, the law demands that every employer have this insurance, which makes the employees feel protected in case of an accident.
Explaining The Workers’ Compensation Process
When a work injury occurs, the following steps are essential to complete the workers’ compensation process correctly:
- Report the injury to your employer.
- Look for medical attention as soon as possible.
- Follow the treatment plan indicated by Prestige Team.
- Keep the medical documentation to support your claim.
Common Work-Related Injuries
Work injuries are a reality. At least in the US, the rate is 2.4 nonfatal work-related injuries and illnesses per 100 full-time equivalent workers. This fact means that it is a daily preoccupation for both employers and employees. Many patients report the following injuries.
Sprains and Strains
These are usual when the muscles stretch beyond their capacity. Frequently, the workers who carry heavy weights, make sudden movements, or work standing for long periods. Although they are considered “minor lesions”, they can develop chronic pain if they are not treated in time.
Fractures
A broken bone can stop you from living your life fully. Falls from stairs, accidents with machinery, or strong hits can produce a fracture in your arms, legs, or ribs. After that, the process requires a surgical procedure and immobilization, which means long and painful periods of recovery.
Back and Neck Injuries
When a worker carries a heavy weight incorrectly or keeps a prolonged poor posture, these factors can cause lumbar pain, a herniated disc, or muscular spasms that affect daily mobility and require a rehabilitation process.
Exposure to Chemical or Toxic Substances
The building, cleaning, and factories sectors represent a risk to their workers because they are all in contact with products that can damage their skin, eyes, or impact their breathing system. These injuries have a long-term effect and usually develop complications that result in serious diseases.
Visual and Auditory Injuries
Environments with persistent and much noise require the necessary equipment to protect and prevent hearing loss. Likewise, exposure to screens, intense light, or dangerous materials can produce permanent damage to vision.
Independent Medical Examinations (IME) in Arizona
In some cases of work injury, the insurance or the employer must request an Independent Medical Examination (IME). This evaluation is not made by the worker’s usual doctor, but by an independent specialist. The reason is to obtain an impartial opinion about the injury and its relation to the job. It is more than just a physical exam.
The IME’s main reason is to answer questions like:
- Is the injury directly related to the work accident?
- What treatment is necessary?
- How much time will it take the worker to get back to their work?
In Arizona, this evaluation is common and an essential part of the workers’ compensation process.
Worker’s Compensation and IME in Arizona
The worker’s compensation process in Arizona or the IME can be difficult at first, but with the correct support and staff, you can understand everything about these processes. At Prestige Medical Care, we are committed to supporting you every step in returning to your work after an injury without consequences.
Call or contact our offices in Phoenix or Sun City online to learn more about our physical exams and schedule a consultation.