Workers’ compensation covers all reasonable and necessary medical treatment resulting from your workplace injury or illness. Work injury benefits exist to ensure that employees injured on the job receive the medical care they need without having to pay out of pocket. In most cases, coverage includes emergency care, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, physical therapy, prescriptions, and sometimes long-term care.
If you were hurt on the job, don’t leave your health or financial future to chance. Call a workers’ compensation lawyer at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices at 702-388-2005. We’ll explain what medical treatment is covered by workers’ compensation and how to get the benefits you need.
Types of Medical Treatment Covered by Workers’ Compensation
The types of medical treatment covered by workers’ comp depend on the work-related injuries you’ve suffered and the care those injuries require. Sometimes, you’ll need to get prior authorization to make sure certain procedures or treatments are covered.
Emergency Medical Care Is Covered by Workers’ Compensation
The first priority after a workplace accident is stabilizing the injured worker. Workers’ compensation typically covers:
- Emergency room visits for urgent care following an accident.
- Ambulance transportation to the hospital if needed.
- Immediate surgical intervention to treat serious injuries.
In most cases, this care is covered regardless of whether you received prior authorization, because emergencies don’t allow time to seek approval.
Hospitalization and Surgeries After Workplace Injuries
If your injury requires extended care, workers’ compensation benefits pay for:
- Inpatient hospital stays including room, board, and monitoring.
- Surgical procedures related to the workplace accident.
- Post-operative care, including wound treatment and follow-up appointments.
This coverage is designed to ensure you receive the treatment necessary to heal fully, without being burdened by hospital bills.
Coverage of Doctor Visits and Follow-Up Treatment
Medical treatment doesn’t end at the hospital. Workers’ compensation also pays for continuing care, which may include:
- Primary physician visits to monitor recovery.
- Specialist consultations (orthopedists, neurologists, treatment for hearing loss, etc.) when recommended.
- Diagnostic testing such as X-rays, MRIs, or lab work.
Regular follow-up ensures that injuries are healing properly, and that additional treatment is authorized if complications arise.
Prescription Medications and Medical Supplies Are Generally Covered By Workers’ Comp
Medication plays a vital role in recovery. Workers’ compensation usually covers:
- Pain management prescriptions such as anti-inflammatories or muscle relaxers.
- Antibiotics or other necessary medications to prevent complications.
- Medical devices and supplies, such as crutches, braces, or wound care kits.
If the medication is prescribed to treat your workplace injury, it should be reimbursable under workers’ comp.
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Are Included in Your Benefits
Recovering from a serious injury may require weeks or months of therapy. Workers’ compensation insurance generally covers:
- Physical therapy sessions to rebuild strength and mobility.
- Occupational therapy to help you return to work duties.
- Rehabilitation programs for workers who suffered major trauma.
Therapy is not just about healing—it’s also about restoring your ability to earn a living.
Workers’ Compensation Coverage for Long-Term Care and Chronic Conditions
Some workplace injuries create permanent or long-lasting health problems. Workers’ compensation may provide coverage for:
- Ongoing medical treatment for chronic pain or disability.
- Maintenance care such as injections or repeat procedures.
- Home health care services if you’re unable to care for yourself fully.
In these cases, coverage depends heavily on medical documentation and approval by the workers’ compensation board.
Mental Health Treatment May Be Covered by Workers’ Comp
In recent years, more states have recognized that workplace injuries don’t just affect the body. They can also impact mental health. Workers’ compensation may cover:
- Counseling or therapy for trauma resulting from a workplace accident.
- Treatment for depression or anxiety linked to your injury.
- Psychiatric medications when prescribed as part of your care.
If your psychological condition is connected to your workplace injury, you may be entitled to benefits.
Travel Expenses Related to Medical Treatment
In many cases, workers’ compensation benefits extend beyond direct medical costs. Injured workers may also be reimbursed for:
- Mileage costs when traveling to and from medical appointments.
- Parking or toll fees associated with necessary travel.
- Transportation services if you are unable to drive due to your injury.
This ensures that the cost of attending appointments doesn’t discourage workers from seeking care.
What Medical Treatments Are Not Covered by Workers’ Compensation?
While workers’ compensation is broad, it does not cover everything. Treatments typically excluded include:
- Elective or cosmetic procedures not related to your injury.
- Alternative treatments (acupuncture, herbal remedies) unless authorized.
- Unapproved or experimental care not recognized by medical guidelines.
Coverage is limited to treatments considered “reasonable and necessary” for recovery from a workplace injury.
Key Takeaways: Workers’ Compensation Medical Coverage
- Emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, doctor visits, prescriptions, and therapy are generally covered.
- Long-term and mental health care may be covered if related to the workplace injury.
- Some costs, like travel to medical appointments, may be reimbursed.
- Coverage does not extend to elective, cosmetic, or unapproved treatments.
- Legal guidance can make the difference when disputes arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does workers’ compensation cover all my medical bills?
Workers’ compensation covers all medical treatment deemed reasonable and necessary to treat your workplace injury, but not elective or unrelated care. This includes medical care required after you’ve been released to return to work.
Can I choose my own doctor under workers’ compensation?
In Nevada, you cannot choose any doctor you want. Your employer or their insurer will assign your initial provider from a state-approved list. However, you do have the right to request a different doctor within the first 90 days, as long as the new provider is also on the approved panel. After 90 days, you can still ask to switch, but the insurer must approve the change—or it’s automatically approved if they don’t respond within 10 days.
Does workers’ comp cover mental health treatment?
Workers’ comp benefits in Nevada cover mental health conditions if they are directly related to a workplace injury or traumatic incident.
If you’ve been injured at work, understanding what medical treatment is covered by workers’ compensation is critical to protecting your health and finances. From emergency care to rehabilitation, many treatments are fully covered, but insurers don’t always make it easy.
Don’t settle for less than you’re entitled to receive. Call George Bochanis Injury Law Offices at 702-388-2005. The call is free. .
