Medical Benefits
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| A key feature of the workers' compensation system is that it provides medical benefits for the injured worker. The medical benefits provided to eligible employees include those for medical services, medicine, and medical equipment or accouterments such as hearing aids and other medical devices. In addition to these benefits, the cost of travel in order to obtain the necessary medical care is reimbursable. In most jurisdictions, the receipt of such benefits is not limited to a specified time frame or capped at a specified amount. Although the employer is responsible for payment of the injured worker's medical and hospital benefits, it is the employee who generally chooses his medical provider. However, some states mandate that the employee choose from an authorized panel of providers or even that it is the employer's prerogative to choose a physician for the employee.
If the employer fails in its duty to provide the employee with prompt medical attention, the employee may then make independent arrangements for his medical care at the employer's expense. The employer's duty to furnish medical care is generally triggered when it becomes aware of the employee's on-the-job injury. Once the employee makes the employer aware of the injury, the employer must notify the employee of the relevant information concerning the retention of medical care. Notably, the employer must provide the employee with sufficient medical care commensurate with his injury.
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