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HIPAA and Workers’ Compensation   The HIPAA Privacy rule protects the privacy of your health,  treatment or health care payment information with the viewing, handling and storing of your protected health information (PHI).  The HIPAA Privacy rule is applicable to covered entities (persons/companies) and allows disclosures for workers’ compensation purposes: “A covered entity may disclose protected [...]

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First Report of Injury Form 440-801, What is it and do I need to sign it? When you hurt yourself on-the-job your employer will report your work injury to the  workers’ compensation insurer and the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services within 5 business days using the First Report of Injury Form 440-801. If [...]

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Bad IME Experience – Do I have a right to complain? Did you have a bad experience when you had your independent medical examination (IME)? Was the physician rude, exhibited inappropriate conduct, or barely examined you? You can take action and be an advocate for yourself! Review the IME standards developed by the independent medical [...]

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How do I appeal a closed Oregon workers compensation claim? What do you do if your Oregon workers’ compensation claim was closed by your insurance carrier or self insured employer and you do not agree with the impairment findings? Impairment is the medical description of your loss of use or function (i.e. strength, range of [...]

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My workers compensation claim was denied because of an IME, can I appeal? Your claim was denied by the insurance carrier because of an independent medical exam (IME) even though your workers’ compensation doctor did not agree with the IME report. You can appeal your claim denial and request your own IME from the Workers’ [...]

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What is the difference between palliative care and curative care? Curative care is medical treatment your Oregon workers’ compensation doctor prescribes to stabilize temporary symptoms of your injury-related condition(s). Examples of curative care are diagnostic testing, pain medication, surgery, physical therapy, corticosteroid injections, etc. Palliative care is treatment prescribed by your workers’ compensation doctor to [...]

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What is an IME – do I have to go?   An Independent medical examination (IME) is an evaluation performed by a doctor picked by the insurer processing your claim. The insurer will choose the doctor and pay for the exam. Review the IME physician, worker, defense attorney, worker attorney, and workers’ compensation doctor surveys [...]

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When do I have to pay for medical treatment out-of-pocket? Occasionally you may be required to pay for medical treatment even though it is related to the accepted medical condition(s) with your work injury. When medical treatment is proposed by your Oregon workers’ compensation doctor (attending physician), discuss with him/her if your claim will cover [...]

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