In addition to healing and recovering from your injury, the way you handle your part of the administrative claim process can make a difference in the final outcome for you.  These suggestions will help you make that process go smoothly.

1.  Keep in touch with your employer.

Have you spoken with your supervisor since your injury?  Remember that your employer is still your employer even while you’re away from work on workers’ compensation – and you want to keep your job.

So, if you’re not working, regularly call your supervisor and the person at your company who handles your benefits so they won’t wonder what’s happening with you.  Reassure them that you want to be back with your team and are trying to get better.  Try to give them an estimate of when you will be coming back, since they need to plan how to cover your work while you are gone.

You don’t need to tell them all the medical details, but do keep your employer updated on your schedule for doctor visits and any changes in your activity prescription (what the doctor says you can and cannot do).  If the doctor has said it isn’t safe for you to do some of your usual tasks, think of some other useful things you can still do now and suggest them to your boss.

It also may help to download and print the Tips for Supervisors brochure and discuss it with your boss.

2.  Keep BWC and your MCO up to date.

Make sure your Claims Service Specialist (CSS) at BWC and your MCO are aware of your medical appointments, changes that occur in your work status and any other important developments. 

They can often help you get the medical care you need to get daily life back to normal.

They also need to know when you return to work partially or fully in order to correctly administer any benefit payments you are due.