Workers’ Compensation Doctor, New Jersey
You never want to skip visiting the doctor after a work-related accident. The right doctors can diagnose and treat your injuries, getting you on the road to recovery. Additionally, they will document your injury so you can use it for your NJ workers’ compensation claim.
Luckily, you don’t have to make numerous calls or spend hours online searching for a workers’ compensation doctor for medical treatment in New Jersey. Workers’ Comp Doctors makes the process easy by connecting you with a qualified doctor that takes workers’ comp insurance and specializes in the type of injury you need to treat.
Workplace Injury Statistics in New Jersey
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, there were nearly 60,000 workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the state in 2017. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few years, and it is likely that the true number of workplace injuries and illnesses is even higher, as many go unreported.
The most common type of injury reported was a strain or sprain, accounting for just over half of all reports. Other common types of injuries included cuts and lacerations, bruises and contusions, and fractures.
The majority of workplace injuries occurred in the manufacturing sector, followed by construction and retail trade. These three sectors accounted for more than half of all workplace injuries and illnesses in 2017.
The good news is that the rate of workplace injuries and illnesses in New Jersey has been trending down in recent years. However, there is still much room for improvement, as even one injury or illness is one too many. employers need to do everything they can to create a safe work environment for their employees.
If you have been injured on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help you cover your medical expenses and lost wages while you are out of work.
Common Work Injuries in New Jersey
There are a variety of different types of work injuries that can occur in New Jersey. Some of the most common include:
Slips, Trips and Falls
Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. They can happen anywhere, at any time and to anyone.
Preventing slips, trips and falls starts with being aware of the hazards in your workplace. Good housekeeping practices can help to eliminate many of the potential hazards that can lead to slips, trips and falls.
Lifting Injuries
Lifting injuries are some of the most common work-related injuries. Many of these injuries occur when workers try to lift something that is too heavy or awkward. Other times, lifting injuries occur because of repetitive motions or poor body mechanics.
Some of the most common lifting injuries include back injuries and shoulder injuries.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is a serious condition that can cause immense pain and suffering for those who are affected by it. The condition is caused by the compression of the median nerve, which runs through the carpal tunnel in the wrist. This can lead to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, and weakness in the hand and fingers
Repetitive Motion Injuries
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), repetitive motion injuries (RMIs) are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. They occur when a person performs the same task over and over again, such as typing or using a hand tool.
RMIs can be extremely painful, visit a workers’ comp doctor or urgent care center for diagnosis and treatment.
Back Injuries
Back injuries are one of the most common types of work-related injuries. They can be caused by a number of different factors, including lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions, and awkward positions.
There are a few things you can do to help prevent back injuries at work. First, make sure you warm up before starting your shift.
If you have been injured at work, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should also notify your employer so that they can begin the workers’ compensation claim process.
How to Prevent Injuries at Work
Injuries at work are a leading cause of lost time from work. Workers’ compensation insurance is available to help cover the costs associated with workers’ injuries, but it is important to prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. There are a few key things that workers can do to prevent injuries at work:
- Use proper lifting techniques when lifting heavy objects. Avoid twisting or turning while lifting, and use your legs to lift rather than your back.
- Be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to potential hazards. Pay attention to what you are doing and where you are walking to avoid trips and falls.
- Wear appropriate safety gear when working with dangerous materials or in hazardous environments. This includes items like gloves, goggles, and earplugs.
- Take breaks throughout the day to stay fresh and avoid fatigue. Fatigue can lead to mistakes that can result in injuries.
- Report any unsafe conditions or potential hazards to your supervisor immediately.
By following these tips, workers can help prevent injuries at work and stay safe on the job.
Specialists That Treat Injured Workers
There are a variety of specialists that treat injured workers. The type of specialist you see will depend on the nature and severity of your injury.
Some common specialists that treat workers comp injuries include:
- Orthopedists
- Physical Therapists
- Chiropractors
- Physiatrists
- Neurologists
Orthopedists
Orthopedists are often the first workers comp doctor that workers see after an injury. These specialists focus on diagnosing and treating conditions involving the bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. In many cases, orthopedic surgeons can provide nonsurgical treatment options such as medication and physical therapy. However, they can also perform surgery if necessary.
Physical Therapists
Physical therapists help patients regain strength and mobility after an injury. They design individualized rehabilitation programs that may include exercises, stretching, and massage.
Physical therapists may also use electrical stimulation, heat, and cold to reduce pain and swelling. Most physical therapists work in hospitals, clinics, or private practices. Some also work in rehabilitation centers or nursing homes. Some physical therapists may even travel to patient’s homes to provide treatment.
Chiropractors
Chiropractors focus on treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. These workers comp doctors often use manipulative therapy to treat back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other conditions. Manipulative therapy involves using the hands to manipulate the spine and joints.
Work-related injuries often involve the musculoskeletal system, and chiropractors can help to alleviate pain and improve function in these cases. In addition to traditional chiropractic care, many chiropractors also offer services such as massage therapy and acupuncture. These modalities can help reduce pain and promote healing. If you have been injured at work, make sure to consult with a qualified chiropractor to ensure that you receive the best possible care.
Physiatrists
Work-related injuries can be painful and debilitating. Fortunately, there are physiatrists who specialize in treating these types of injuries. Physiatrists are medical doctors who have completed specialized training in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Physiatrists work with patients to develop individualized treatment plans that may include medication, physical therapy, and other interventions. They also work with employers and insurance companies to ensure that patients are able to return to work safely and as soon as possible.
If you have been injured at work, a physiatrist can help you get back on your feet and back to your job.
Neurologists
Neurologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat disorders of the nervous system. This includes the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Neurologists can also treat conditions that affect muscle movement, such as Parkinson’s disease.
Work-related injuries are one type of condition that neurologists treat. These injuries can occur when someone is exposed to a hazardous substance or when they experience a traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident. Symptoms of a work-related injury may include headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and numbness or tingling in the hands or feet.
If you have been injured at work, you may need to see a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Always See a Doctor After a Workplace Injury
You may want to just brush off your workplace accident, especially if it doesn’t seem like anything is wrong with you. But this is a bad idea, both for your physical health and your financial health.
That is because not all injuries are obvious right away. Whiplash, for example, is notorious for taking days or even weeks to appear. And that is just one example of potential conditions that can have delayed symptoms.
For Your Physical Health
From a health standpoint, waiting to see an NJ workers’ comp doctor until you notice symptoms delays your healing. Imagine the difference if you had seen a doctor for medical care right away.
They could have diagnosed your problem and began treatment before you even noticed symptoms. Maybe that would have completely eliminated the pain you’re experiencing – or perhaps it would have just reduced your discomfort.
There is also the fact that any delay in your diagnosis means that your treatment will have to last that much longer. Even if it’s just an extra few days, you want to get over the injury as quickly as possible.
For Your Workers’ Comp Claim
Visiting a workers’ compensation physician right away is also crucial when filing your claim. This makes it easy for your doctor to show that the injury is a direct result of the workplace incident.
If you wait for treatment, then the time between your visit to the doctor and the incident at work grows. Every extra day makes it harder to prove your injury occurred at work.
Unfortunately, worker’s compensation insurance companies don’t want to pay out claims. So, if they can show that you aren’t 100% certain the injury is from work, you may get reduced compensation or none at all. Or it will simply be a lot harder to get the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose a Workers’ Comp Doctor Instead of Your Primary Physician?
You may think that your own doctor can handle your diagnosis and treatment after a workplace injury. And technically, they probably can.
However, you’ll likely be diagnosed more quickly and receive better treatment if you visit a workers’ comp doctor. You also won’t have to worry about whether they accept the insurance and will get additional help with your claim.
They Are Familiar with Workers’ compensation cases
A workers’ compensation doctor deals with workplace injuries daily. This means that they have more experience than your primary physician would with your specific situation and symptoms. That, in turn, leads to a more accurate and faster diagnosis. It also means they will have a better idea of what treatments will most likely deliver maximum medical improvement in your situation.
The bottom line is that your treatment is more likely to be tailored to your injury and go more quickly with a specialized workers’ comp doctor than with other doctors who see patients for various reasons.
They Accept Workers’ Compensation Insurance
Not all doctors accept workers’ comp insurance. That is because the insurance comes with its own payment schedule and other requirements. Many medical practices don’t believe it is worth the effort to accept this type of insurance. It adds to their administrative costs.
This means that if you don’t specifically look for an NJ worker’s comp doctor, you would have to confirm with each doctor that they accept workers’ comp. That adds to the stress of finding a physician. In contrast, you can rest easy knowing that any doctors we connect you with will accept workers’ comp, as they specialize in this.
They Are Familiar with Workers’ Comp Paperwork and Documentation
Remember how we said that workers’ comp insurance companies would look for excuses to deny your claim?
This can sometimes make it challenging to get approved for medical benefits on the first try, especially if you don’t fill out the paperwork properly or provide proper documentation of your work-related injury. But an experienced NJ workers’ comp doctor makes it almost certain that you will be approved quickly, likely on the first attempt.
That is because they will be familiar with the type of documentation that a workers’ comp insurance company needs to approve your claim. They will also know the proper way to fill out the paperwork. In many cases, they will even answer some of your questions about the aspects of the paperwork you are responsible for.
How Does Workers' Comp Work in New Jersey
Workers’ compensation is a system in the United States and many other countries that provide benefits to workers who are injured or who contract an illness at work. The program is usually administered by state governments as part of social welfare programs.
In most states, including New Jersey, employers are required to provide workers’ compensation insurance for their employees. This insurance covers medical expenses and a portion of lost wages for employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. Workers’ compensation is typically paid for by premiums that employers must pay to insurers.
In New Jersey, workers’ compensation benefits are available to any employee who suffers an injury or contracts an illness at work. Benefits can include payment for medical expenses, lost wages, and disability. In some cases, death benefits may also be available to the family of a worker who dies as a result of a work-related injury or illness.
To receive workers’ compensation benefits in New Jersey, employees must first notify their employer of their injury or illness. They then have up to two years to file a claim with the state’s Division of Workers’ Compensation. Claims are processed by insurance companies, and benefits are typically paid out through these companies.
Workers’ compensation is designed to provide financial assistance to employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their job. However, it is important to note that this assistance is not intended to replace an employee’s salary. Rather, it is meant to help cover the costs of medical treatment and to provide some income during the period of recovery.
What Should I Bring to My Workers Comp Doctor's Appointment?
When you visit your workers’ comp doctor for the first time, it is important to bring all of your relevant medical information. This includes your initial injury report, any subsequent reports, and any other documentation from your employer or insurance company. You should also bring a list of current medications and allergies, as well as copies of any radiology or laboratory tests that have been performed. It is also helpful to bring a family member or friend who can provide support and assistance during your appointment.
About New Jersey
New Jersey is a state in the Northeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. It is bordered on the north and east by New York, on the southeast and south by the Atlantic Ocean, on the west by Pennsylvania, and on the southwest by Delaware. New Jersey is the fourth-smallest state but the 11th-most populous, with 9 million residents as of 2017. The capital is Trenton, while the largest city is Newark. All but one county in New Jersey lie within the combined statistical areas of New York City or Philadelphia; consequently, this state has a high degree of urbanization.
New Jersey was inhabited by Native Americans for more than 2,800 years, with historical tribes such as the Lenape along the coast. In the early 17th century, the Dutch and the Swedes founded the first European settlements in New Jersey. The English later seized control of the region, which was renamed New Jersey after the largest of the Channel Islands, Jersey, and granted it as a colony to Sir George Carteret and John Berkeley, 1st Baron Berkeley of Stratton. New Jersey was the site of several decisive battles during the American Revolutionary War in the 18th century.
New Jersey is a diverse state with a large immigrant population. It is known for its beaches and resorts, which are popular destinations for tourists from New York City and Philadelphia. The state is also home to several major sports teams, including the New York Jets and Giants (NFL), the Devils (NHL), and the Nets (NBA). New Jersey has over fifty state parks, forests, recreation areas, and historic sites.
Hospitals in New Jersey
New Jersey is home to some of the best hospitals in the country. Here are just a few of the top-rated hospitals in New Jersey:
- Hackensack University Medical Center
- Newark Beth Israel Medical Center
- Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital
- Saint Barnabas Medical Center
- Cooper University Hospital
- Capital Health Regional Medical Center
- Virtua Memorial Hospital Burlington County
- Inspira Medical Center Woodbury
- Monmouth Medical Center Southern Campus
- JFK Medical Center Edison
Urgent Care Centers in New Jersey
There are many reasons to visit an urgent care center. If you have a sudden illness or injury that is not life-threatening, but you cannot wait for a regular doctor’s appointment, an urgent care center may be the best option. Urgent care centers provide convenient, accessible, and affordable medical care for non-emergency conditions.
In New Jersey, there are several different types of urgent care centers that you can choose from. Each type of center has its own unique features and benefits. Here is a look at some of the most popular types of urgent care centers in New Jersey:
Community Health Centers: These centers are typically located in underserved or rural areas. They offer primary and preventive health care services to residents of their communities. Community health centers usually have sliding scale fees, which means that they charge based on your income.
Retail Health Clinics: These clinics are typically located in retail stores, such as pharmacies or grocery stores. They offer a limited range of services, such as vaccinations, physicals, and treatment for minor injuries and illnesses. Retail health clinics typically have shorter wait times than other types of urgent care centers.
Free-Standing Emergency Rooms: These facilities are not affiliated with a hospital but offer the same level of care as an emergency room. Free-standing emergency rooms typically have longer wait times than other types of urgent care centers.
When choosing an urgent care center, it is important to consider your specific needs. If you have a chronic condition, you may want to choose a center that specializes in treating chronic conditions. If you have a minor injury or illness, you may want to choose a center that offers a wide range of services.
No matter what type of urgent care center you choose, you can be assured that you will receive high-quality medical care. Urgent care centers in New Jersey are staffed by experienced and compassionate medical professionals. They will provide you with the treatment you need to get well and back to your normal routine as soon as possible.
How to Find a Good Workers Compensation Doctor in New Jersey
If you are a worker in New Jersey, it is important to find a worker’s compensation doctor that is right for you. There are many different types of doctors that can provide treatment for workers’ comp injuries, and it is important to find one that is experienced and knowledgeable about the specific type of injury you have sustained.
The best way to find a good workers’ compensation doctor in New Jersey is to simply call us at (888) 533-0870 toll-free today. Alternatively, you can also talk to your friends, family, and co-workers who may have had to seek treatment for a work-related injury in the past. They may be able to recommend a particular doctor or group of doctors that they found helpful. You can also check with your state’s Department of Labor to see if they have a list of approved doctors.
Once you have a few names of potential workers’ compensation doctors, you should set up appointments for consultations. This will allow you to meet with the doctor and get a feel for their bedside manner and overall demeanor. Be sure to bring any relevant medical records with you to the consultation so that the doctor can review them and make sure they are familiar with your particular case.
After meeting with a few different workers’ compensation doctors, you should be able to narrow down your list to a few that you feel comfortable with. From there, it is important to schedule regular appointments so that you can keep your injury under control and receive the best possible care.
If you follow these tips, you should be able to find a good workers’ compensation doctor in New Jersey that can provide you with the treatment you need. Remember, it is important to find a doctor that you feel comfortable with and one that has experience treating your type of injury. With the right doctor, you can get the care you need and get back to work as soon as possible.
Workers’ Comp Doctors Is Here to Help
At Workers’ Comp Doctors, we understand the importance of choosing an NJ workers’ compensation doctor and don’t want you to have to go through the stress of finding one yourself. That’s why we put in the effort to gather information on all of the top, board-certified workers’ compensation doctors in New Jersey for the best patient care.
All you have to do is reach out to us, and we’ll connect you with the treating physician who can best meet your needs. From diagnostic testing to multi-specialty groups to specialties, we can help you find a range of doctors.
We have gathered information on physical therapists, physiatrists, chiropractors, orthopedists, pain management specialists, spine specialists, and neurologists that are familiar with common work-related injuries.
To get started, you can either fill out our contact form or call us at (888) 533-0870. Either way, you will get friendly service and find yourself connecting with a workers’ comp physician to treat your injury.
You deserve to heal and get back to your everyday life without having to search high and low for a doctor that will treat you and assist with your worker’s compensation case.
Contact us today for a free consultation!
