Workers’ compensation in Virginia Beach is a type of benefits workers can obtain to help them while they recover from an injury or illness linked to their work. The medical evaluation is one of the most important parts of a workers’ compensation claim says a Injured Workers Law Firm.

This assessment is vital in determining how bad the injury is, what surgery is required and what benefits an injured worker receives. Here, we take a look at why is it important to have an impartial medical evaluation in Virginia Beach workers’ compensation cases, how the process works, and what you can expect during your exam.

The Need for Medical Evaluations

For several reasons, medical evaluations play an important role in workers’ compensation cases.

1. Diagnosis Confirmation: They assist in determining if an accident or sickness is connected to employment and helping to confirm the diagnosis.

2. Treatment plan: Assessment helps in developing a comprehensive treatment plan which guarantees the injured worker receives timely specific care.

3. Benefit Findings: The results of the evaluation may affect the findings, degree and duration of worker`s compensation benefits.

4. Return to Work: Assessments assist in determining when an injured employee is able to return to work and what accommodations may be required.

The Medical Review Procedure

1. Initial Medical Examination

The very first action you should take after reporting a work related injury or illness to your employer is to get medical treatment. In Virginia Beach the employers will often provide a panel of physicians that have to be chosen from the injured worker.

A physician chosen to treat the sick and injured will provide professional medical assessment based on the specifics of the medical examination and recommend urgent treatment.

2. Follow-Up Evaluations

A diagnosis that needs to have a similar appeal of the working relationship as in following up after alcohol misuse. These types of evaluations track the course of treatment and recovery. They also move the treatment plan as desired to accomplish of best recovery.

3. IME (Independent Medical Examination)

The insurance company may ask for an Independent Medical Examination (IME) in some cases. An IME is authorized, otherwise conducted by a doctor who has no involvement in the worker’s treatment.

Elimination of such material will render the desired goal of an IME, that is to give an impartial medical opinion regarding the injury and its cause as well as the ability to return to work as a worker. IME results can make the difference between the case being won or lost for either side in a workers’ compensation claim.

4. Functional Capacity Evaluation 

An FCE (Functional Capacity Evaluation) may be necessary for injuries that impair an employee´s physical abilities. It evaluates the physical abilities and restrictions of an injured worker and indicates whether or not he or she can perform their job duties as well as if modifications can be made.

5. Permanent Impairment Rating

If an injury leaves you with a permanent impairment, your treating physician or an independent examiner will assign a Permanent Impairment Rating (PIR). The rating indicates the extent of the loss and is used to calculate the compensation due to an injured worker.

Medical evaluations are a critical aspect of workers’ compensation cases in Virginia Beach. They provide the necessary medical evidence to support a claim, determine the appropriate treatment, and influence the benefits an injured worker receives.

Understanding the medical evaluation process and what to expect can help injured workers navigate their workers’ compensation claims more effectively, ensuring they receive the care and compensation they deserve. By being prepared, honest, and cooperative, injured workers can maximize their chances of a successful outcome in their workers’ compensation cases.