What are the Medical Treatment Guidelines and how do they apply to injured workers on Long Island and throughout New York State? The Guidelines were created to ensure that injured workers receive the best possible medical care after their workplace injury, so the workers can recover and feel better as soon as possible. So, they can get back to work and on with their life!
The Guidelines were actually developed from important input from expert doctors throughout the country who specialize in helping people who have been injured on the job, or who have developed an occupational disease.The purpose of the Medical Treatment Guidelines is to streamline the medical care you receive and ensure you receive the highest quality care in an efficient manner.
Here is what you need to know about the new Medical Treatment Guidelines:
- The Guidelines are actually flexible. They recognize that not all treatments are necessary for all injured workers. If your doctor wants to take a different approach to your care, he or she can request permission.
- If your condition suddenly gets worse or flares up, you will be able to get the treatment you need. Under the Guidelines, you are not blocked from receiving necessary medical care if your condition unexpectedly worsens.
- If you think you won’t be able to get acupuncture, chiropractic care or physical therapy, think again. In fact, the Guidelines recommend each of these procedures. However, it will be necessary for your doctor to show that such treatments are improving your overall condition. If your condition is not improving, your doctor will need to find an alternative treatment that will in deed help.
- You will not be prevented from getting pain medicine after a specific length of time. If you still have pain after a short time, talk to your doctor. He or she may continue prescribing pain medicine, but they will also need to explain why the prescription is medically necessary.
