Start with the right first visit
In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Otherwise, ask your employer which clinic or doctor to see first — some states and employers require an approved provider for the first visit.
Say it's a work injury
Tell the front desk and the clinician that the injury happened at work, and bring your claim number, your employer's details and the insurer's details if you have them.
Ask before you switch
Rules on choosing or changing a doctor vary by state. Ask your employer or the claims adjuster before changing providers, and check that the office accepts workers' compensation.
Prescriptions
Ask the pharmacy and the adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Many prescriptions can be delivered to your home.
Kinds of care
Each page explains the care in general terms and lists doctors by state.
- Occupational medicineFell off a ladder at work · Fell from scaffolding
- OrthopedicsFell off a ladder at work · Fell from scaffolding
- Spine careFell off a ladder at work · Fell from scaffolding
- Pain managementHurt my back lifting at work · Back injury from a patient transfer
- Physical therapyFell getting out of my truck or trailer · Tripped on uneven ground at a job site
- ChiropracticHurt my back lifting at work · Back injury from a patient transfer
- Neurology & concussion careFell off a ladder at work · Fell from scaffolding
- Behavioral healthInjured in an explosion or fire at work · Assaulted at work
- Urgent careFell off a ladder at work · Fell from scaffolding
- Primary careHernia from lifting at work · Injured handling baggage on the airport ramp
- Podiatry & foot/ankleFell down the stairs at work · Fell off a loading dock
- Hand & upper extremitySlipped on a wet floor at work · Slipped on ice in the work parking lot
- Physical medicine & rehabilitationCrushed my finger in machinery · Lost a finger in a machine at work
- ImagingConcussion from a fall at work · Hit by a forklift at work
Frequently asked questions
What kind of doctor treats work injuries?
Many people start with occupational medicine, urgent care or an employer-designated clinic, then are referred to specialists such as orthopedics, spine care, physical therapy or pain management if needed. Your treating clinician decides what is appropriate.
Can I see my own doctor for workers' comp?
It depends on your state and your employer's program. Some require you to start with an approved provider; others let you choose. Ask your employer or the claims adjuster.
Do all doctors accept workers' comp?
No. Not every office accepts workers' compensation patients. Ask when you call to book, and ask whether they need authorization from the insurer first.
Are the doctors on Prescriptions.plus recommended?
No. Doctors marked Sponsored pay Prescriptions.plus a monthly marketing fee to be listed and receive requests from their area. That is advertising, not a recommendation. Check any provider's license with your state.
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).