What this kind of care is
Spine care is one of the kinds of care people may receive after a work injury, depending on the injury and what their treating clinician recommends.
When injured workers often see one
- When a treating clinician makes a referral.
- When an injury isn't improving as expected.
- When a specialist's evaluation is needed for work restrictions.
What a visit is generally like
Bring your claim number, your employer's and the insurer's details, and a list of your current medications. Tell the office it is a work injury when you book.
Workers' comp and choosing a provider
Rules on choosing or changing a provider vary by state and employer. Ask your employer or adjuster, and check that the provider accepts workers' compensation.
Questions to ask
- Do you accept workers' compensation patients?
- Do you need a referral or authorization first?
- What should I bring to my first visit?
- Will you send work-status notes to my employer?
- How are prescriptions handled?
Work injuries where people are often referred
- Fell off a ladder at work
- Fell from scaffolding
- Fell off a roof at work
- Slipped on a wet floor at work
- Slipped on ice in the work parking lot
- Fell down the stairs at work
- Fell off a loading dock
- Fell getting out of my truck or trailer
- Fell through a floor opening or skylight
- Fell from a scissor lift or aerial lift
- Fell off a step stool stocking shelves
- Hit by a forklift at work
- Hit by a falling object at work
- Warehouse shelving fell on me
- Caught in a trench collapse
- Hit by a car while working on the road
Spine care by state
States marked • have listed providers today.
Other kinds of care
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if I'm injured at work?
If it is an emergency, call 911. Otherwise get first aid or medical care, tell your supervisor, and report the injury in writing as soon as you can. Write down what happened and who saw it.
Is there a deadline to report a work injury?
Yes — but deadlines vary by state. Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible and check with your state's workers' compensation agency for the rules that apply to you.
Can I see my own doctor for a work injury?
It depends on your state and your employer's program. Some require you to start with an approved provider. Ask your employer or the claims adjuster, and in an emergency go to the nearest emergency room or call 911.
Do I need a workers' comp attorney?
Not everyone does. People often consult one when a claim is denied or delayed, when the injury is serious or permanent, or when there is a dispute. Many attorneys offer a free first consultation.
How do I get my prescriptions after a work injury?
Ask the pharmacy and the claims adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled where you live. Many prescriptions can be filled at a local pharmacy or delivered to your home.
Is Prescriptions.plus a law firm or a medical provider?
No. Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a law firm, medical provider, pharmacy, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is legal or medical advice.
This page is being expanded.
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).