We all knew that telemedicine for work injuries would become standard one day. What we didn't realize was that it would be so soon. With the arrival of COVID-19 and the subsequent lockdown, telemedicine has never been as popular as it is today.
This is, in part, also due to a relaxing of regulations by the AMA, allowing doctors to use software to treat patients online, regardless of where they may live. It applies not only to healthcare appointments but also to workers' compensation appointments.
For many patients, switching to telemedicine may be confusing. Patients may not be sure how to schedule a telemedicine appointment for a work injury, wonder who pays for it, how much it costs, and what happens if surgery is required.
This blog aims to answer some of these outstanding questions.
Yes, physicians can treat certain work injuries via telemedicine. Of course, this does not apply to all injuries, for example, those requiring emergency medical treatment or surgery. However, for many non-emergency work-related injuries, telemedicine appointments can be conducted online.
Examples of appropriate conditions telehealth can treat include minor injuries and treatments, follow-up visits after surgery or hospitalizations, and medication management.
You can, and it may be a preferable option for both you and your workplace! An appointment online can be advantageous for many employees after they return to work.
Employees can make appointments during the workday on their breaks, so they do not miss a day of work. Employees can log in with their smartphones and meet with their doctors over their lunch break without having to miss any time away from their job.
If you would like to schedule a telemedicine appointment for a work injury, you can do so at Workers-Compensation-Doctors.com. There is a separate button on their profile for doctors who accept telemedicine appointments, allowing you to schedule an appointment online instead of an in-office visit.
The cost of a telemedicine appointment will depend on the doctor's office. The fee, however, is usually paid for by the insurance carrier or employer. It is important to check with your insurance company to see if they cover telehealth appointments.
Your doctor or surgeon will discuss your options during your office visit. Of course, if surgery is required, then physicians cannot do this online.
However, though surgery must be performed at a surgical center or hospital, patients can make follow-up appointments through telemedicine after a certain period of healing. This can be convenient as the patient continues to rehabilitate at home and return to work.
If you are a workers’ compensation doctor and are looking to increase the number of patients you see, join us at workers-compensation-doctors.com. We are the first and only national directory of workers compensation doctors, with a vast database across the country.
Our website can connect adjusters, nurse case managers, and attorneys looking for worker's compensation doctors.
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