For many work-related injuries and illnesses, prescribed medications play a tremendous role in contributing towards overall recovery. If you are wondering how to have your prescriptions paid for by your Workers' Compensation insurance carrier, there are a few important tips to keep in mind.
- Know your medications (i)
Always keep a list of your current medications, and know which ones you are trying to fill. Be sure you know which of the medications you take are related to your compensation claim, and which are not. - Know your medications (ii)
Do not be afraid to ask your doctor what your medications are and what they are being prescribed for. Look them up on the internet. Be aware that doctors will prescribe medications for uses which are not considered as primary. For example, a doctor may prescribe a medication for nerve pain that is normally prescribed for seizure behavior. Medications not prescribed for their primary use can raise a red flag with the insurance carrier. - Know the prescribing doctor
Most often, when you have a medical appointment, you will see a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant. If you do, try to be sure you know the name of the supervising physician who is signing off on your medical reports. - Fill prescription as early as possible
The more time you give the process, the better off you are. - Fill prescription in the morning on a weekday, if possible, and avoid Friday, or days prior to a holiday
Once again, the more time the better – insurance adjusters often have heavy case loads, start their day early, and they are usually unresponsive after 4 PM. Most calls left with the insurance carrier come with an expected response delay of at least 24 hours. It is best to assume a 48-hour turnaround to resolve any prescription that is not being authorized. Avoiding Friday means lowering the chances of going through a weekend without medication. - Use the phone
Whenever possible, attempt to fill prescriptions by phone. There is no mileage reimbursement for trips to the pharmacy. If you are stuck waiting, it is better to wait at home. - Contact your attorney
If you are represented by an attorney, contact the legal staff with any issues filling medications. Adjusters will not speak with represented claimants. Workers' Compensation attorneys and their staff are experienced at handling medication issues, and are the quickest road to resolution of any prescription-related problems. - Have your information handy
When you contact your attorney’s office for help with the prescription you should have the following information:
a. Date of injury
b. Body part for which medication is prescribed
c. Name of medication
d. New medication or refill?
e. Prescribing physician/office name and location
f. Name of the filling pharmacy
g. Phone number of filling pharmacy
When in doubt, if the insurance carrier is refusing to cover the cost of your prescriptions, you are facing unexpected delays, or you find yourself running into any other difficulties during this process, be sure to connect with a Workers' Compensation attorney. The experienced team at MCV Law can evaluate your situation and provide detailed guidance on how to achieve a favorable solution.