Does Workers Comp Pay for Physical Therapy?

Sustaining an injury at work can be a devastating experience. Apart from the physical pain, people injured at work worry about their ability to provide for themselves and their families as they recover. Physical therapy is one of the most effective ways to recover from a work-related injury. But what happens when you’re on workers comp and you don’t have the money or insurance coverage to pay for the PT you need? Does workers’ comp pay for physical therapy? Here’s what you need to know.

What is Workers’ Comp?

Workers’ compensation is insurance coverage. It compensates employees injured while performing work-related tasks.

Coverage includes:

• Medical expenses
• Replacement income
• Other benefits to ensure that the injured employee can recover and return to work

Physical therapy is one of the potentially covered benefits. However, the nature and extent of coverage vary depending on several factors.

State Laws Vary on Whether Workers Comp Pays for Physical Therapy

One of the most crucial factors that determine whether you can access physical therapy through workers’ compensation is your state’s laws. Some states have specific laws that dictate what types of physical therapy can be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

For instance, in some states, employers are required to provide a specific number of physical therapy sessions as part of workers’ compensation insurance benefits.

You can learn more about Maryland’s workers’ compensation guidelines here.

Did Your Doctor Recommend Physical Therapy?

The extent of your injury and your doctor’s recommendation can also affect your ability to access physical therapy through workers’ compensation.

If your doctor does not recommend physical therapy as part of your treatment plan, worker’s comp might refuse to cover it.  Similarly, if your injury is deemed too minor, PT may not be deemed necessary, nor covered by your insurance.

What Type of PT Do You Need?

The type and duration of physical therapy you can access through workers’ compensation insurance can also vary depending on your state and your employer’s insurance policy. In some cases, insurance policies may limit the number of physical therapy sessions you can access. They might also limit the amount of money you can spend on physical therapy treatment.

In other cases, some employers may choose to cover a more extensive range of physical therapy treatments. This goes beyond whatever their state laws mandate.

Does Workers Comp Pay for Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is an essential component of many injury recovery plans. This is especially true for workers who have sustained injuries on the job. Whether your workers’ compensation insurance covers physical therapy depends on your state’s laws. The extent of your injury, your doctor’s recommendation, and your employer’s insurance policy also matter.

If you require physical therapy after an on-the-job injury, it is crucial to consult with your employer, your doctor, and your insurance provider. This helps you understand your options for accessing this necessary treatment. To learn more about workers’ compensation guidelines or to speak to someone about your case, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.