If you have a pending worker’s compensation claim, it is advisable to contact your claim’s adjuster prior to seeking treatment at an emergency room. If you do not obtain pre-approval, you run the risk of being personally responsible for the hospital bill. Even if it is after hours or the weekend, we still urge that you make a good faith effort to obtain authorization. Send an Email to the adjuster or leave a voice mail – your best bet is to do both. If you are unable to contact your adjuster and you proceed to the emergency room, it is imperative that you inform the emergency room nurse that you have a pending worker’s compensation claim. If you have your claim information (i.e., name, address and telephone number of the worker’s compensation carrier and/or claim number), be certain to provide same. While providing this information is necessary for processing, the emergency room services must be approved and authorized by the claim’s adjuster so that the bill can be paid accordingly. Please do not provide your personal health insurance card.
On the other hand, if your work injury just happened and your employer is not available to tell you where to go for treatment, go to the nearest emergency room and let your employer know as soon as possible what has happened. While you may not know the name and address of the Insurance Carrier, make sure you inform the emergency room nurse that you were injured on the job. Provide your employer’s information to include the name of the employer, address, and telephone number. Be certain to provide information regarding your work place injury (where and how you were injured). Again, it is imperative that you not provide your personal health insurance card.
Should you find yourself in a situation similar to the above, contact our office as we would be glad to provide legal advice.