Workers’ compensation can be a complex system to navigate, for both the injured employee and the employer. When an employee is injured on the job, if the injury is a compensable injury, they are entitled to medical and temporary disability. Arkansas law strictly defines what is and is not a compensable injury.
We know the employers’ goal is to get their injured employee diagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated so they can get back to work safely and as soon as possible. It is important that the health care provider communicates quickly with the employer and involves the employer’s adjuster and case manager in the treatment decision-making.
Treatment Options
When an employee is injured on the job, OrthoArkansas Urgent Care might be the quickest and the best diagnosis and treatment option. Our clinic provides immediate specialized care for anyone with a recent injury, sprain, or fracture. We treat orthopedic trauma of the bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and nerves. The orthopedic urgent care clinic is for injuries that are not life-threatening such as a workplace fall or slipping on a wet floor.
What’s not covered?
Workers’ Comp does not cover all workplace injuries. These are some common situations where an injury may not be covered, including injuries that:
- Are incurred while violating company policies
- Happen while commuting to or from work
- Are incurred while committing a crime
- Are incurred while under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Are caused by horseplay or fighting
- Are self-inflicted
Benefits of OrthoArkansas Urgent Care
There is no sitting in a crowded ER waiting room, which is especially important during these times. Hospital ERs prioritize life-threatening situations, which results in longer wait times for painful, but less serious injuries. At the orthopedic urgent care clinic, the patient is seen promptly. Patients are diagnosed and treated by specialized orthopedic nurse practitioners. X-rays can be performed on the spot, specialized imaging is ordered if needed, and casting/bracing is offered at the initial visit. If follow-up care is needed, an appointment is provided with one of our orthopedic specialty physicians. By choosing the OrthoArkansas urgent care, valuable time is not wasted by waiting days for an initial appointment.
When is a hospital ER a better choice?
The ER is the right choice for any injury or illness that is life-threatening, such as profuse bleeding, trauma, loss of consciousness, heart attack, or stroke. Illnesses or injuries like these should only be treated at a hospital ER.
What To Expect in Urgent Care
Your employee can expect immediate expert care from specialists. The urgent care clinic has a separate check-in from the rest of the clinic. Patients are taken to a treatment room as soon as they get checked in. They are examined and if X-rays are required, they are done and read promptly. A nurse practitioner will diagnose the problem and if required, prescribe treatment, testing, and any therapy needed.
From Urgent Care to Case Closed
From the moment of the injury until the case is closed, OrthoArkansas provides expert care for the injured and guidance for injured workers. Our streamlined process includes reporting back to the adjuster or nurse case managers quickly and presenting treatment requests to them for approvals. By working with the medical guidance of our specialized physicians, medical care is tailored according to the physician’s, adjuster’s, and/or case manager’s protocols for the best patient outcome. Our experienced team of board-certified physicians understands Arkansas Workers’ Compensation laws, rules, and policies.
Immediate care from providers who understand and specialize in the Workers’ Comp process is key when an employee is injured on the job. OrthoArkansas’ Urgent Care Clinic allows the injured to skip the waiting room and receive timely care. Your employee can be diagnosed, treated, and rehabilitated to get back to work as soon as possible — all in one place.
Workers’ compensation can be a complex system to navigate. Let OrthoArkansas Workers’ Comp experts guide you.
